24/06/2026
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24/06/2026
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TEL AVIV, Jun 24: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his testimony in his long-running corruption trial on Wednesday after 98 court hearings spread over nearly 18 months, describing the proceedings as “10 years of hell” as he continued to reject the allegations against him.
Netanyahu’s corruption cases, which first came to public attention in 2016, led to formal indictments in November 2019 by then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. He faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases known as Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000.
In Case 1000, prosecutors allege that Netanyahu and members of his family received expensive gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.
Case 2000 involves allegations that Netanyahu held talks with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, over a possible deal involving favorable media coverage in return for government benefits.
Case 4000 centers on accusations that Netanyahu provided regulatory advantages to businessman Shaul Elovitch, who controlled the telecommunications company Bezeq and news website Walla, in exchange for positive coverage of Netanyahu and his family.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that Netanyahu completed his testimony after dozens of sessions held over approximately a year and a half.
Addressing judges at the conclusion of his testimony at the Tel Aviv District Court, Netanyahu said the case had caused immense personal and political damage while he was leading the country through major challenges.
“After 10 years of hell, as I try to lead this country facing perhaps the greatest challenges we currently have, to see this vile, false, malicious thing...” Netanyahu said, according to Israeli media reports.
He accused investigators and prosecutors of conducting a campaign of persecution, saying the proceedings amounted to “hunting people in a net in a blatant and distorted manner,” while calling on the court to deliver “truth and justice.”
The trial will now move into the closing-arguments phase, with both the prosecution and defense expected to submit legal summaries over the coming months before judges begin preparing a verdict.
Prosecutors completed their cross-examination of Netanyahu on June 16 after nearly a year of questioning. Additional hearings were later held for supplementary examination, allowing the defense to clarify issues raised during the prosecution’s questioning.
The corruption proceedings are separate from international legal action involving Netanyahu. In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza war, allegations Israel has rejected.
