Published: 11:31, April 29, 2026
Netanyahu's graft trial testimony resumes after hiatus for Iran conflict
By Xinhua
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a ceremony commemorating Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers, or Yom HaZikaron, at the Military Cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, April 21, 2026. (PHOTO / AP)

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed his testimony in a criminal trial at a Tel Aviv court on Tuesday, after a two-month pause due to the Iran conflict.

Netanyahu, who faces charges in three corruption cases, was due to resume testimony on Monday, which was cancelled after his lawyer requested a postponement, citing "security-related scheduling constraints".

During Tuesday's testimony, prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh continued the questioning in the so-called Case 4000, in which Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulations that benefited Shaul Elovitch, then controlling shareholder of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecommunications company, and the Walla news website, in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies all charges.

According to Israel's Haaretz newspaper, Netanyahu's previous appearance on Feb 24 marked the 80th time he testified in the trial.

An emergency was declared nationwide in late February after Israel and the United States launched the conflict on Iran, forcing the closure of many institutions, businesses and schools. Courts also operated in "emergency mode", with only urgent hearings held via video.

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Normal operations resumed two weeks ago, but Netanyahu's lawyers have repeatedly requested delays of the testimony, saying he is required to handle security matters.