Netanyahu's Corruption Trial: Charges, Potential Pardons, and Impact on Israeli Politics

Netanyahu faces serious charges of fraud and breach of trust in his ongoing corruption trial.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified for the first time since requesting a presidential pardon in his corruption case that has been proceeding for several years.

Here's a comprehensive overview of the allegations that have created division among Israelis during a period of significant regional instability.

THE ALLEGATIONS EXPLAINED

Benjamin Netanyahu was charged in 2019 with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust - allegations he categorically denies. His trial commenced in 2020 and encompasses three separate criminal cases. He has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

CASE 4000 DETAILS

Prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom Israel. In exchange, they allege he sought favorable coverage of himself and his wife Sara on a news website under the control of former Bezeq chairman Shaul Elovitch. In this case, Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Elovitch has denied any wrongdoing.

CASE 1000 OVERVIEW

Netanyahu stands accused of fraud and breach of trust regarding allegations that he and his wife improperly received nearly 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen Arnon Milchan, as well as Australian billionaire James Packer. Prosecutors allege these gifts included champagne and cigars, and that Netanyahu assisted Milchan with business interests. Neither Packer nor Milchan face charges.

CASE 2000 ALLEGATIONS

Prosecutors assert that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, owner of Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for more favorable coverage in exchange for legislation that would impede the growth of a competing newspaper. For this, Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust.

TIMELINE FOR A VERDICT

A quick resolution seems improbable. Without a plea agreement, it could take many more months before the judges reach their decision.

PARDON POSSIBILITIES

Netanyahu's legal team has requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, arguing that the frequent court appearances hinder his governance abilities and that a pardon would serve national interests. They maintain the president has authority to grant such a pardon based on public interest considerations. Notably, Netanyahu has not admitted guilt.

In Israel, pardons have traditionally been granted only after legal proceedings conclude and the accused has been convicted. There is no precedent for granting a pardon during an ongoing trial.

LEGAL STATUS AS PRIME MINISTER

Under Israeli law, a prime minister is not required to resign unless convicted. If they appeal a conviction, they may remain in office throughout the entire appeals process.

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

Bribery charges carry potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fines. Fraud and breach of trust are punishable by up to three years incarceration.

BROADER IMPACT

Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Gaza conflict, largely pushed Netanyahu's trial from public attention as Israelis united in collective grief and trauma. Before the war, Netanyahu's legal challenges had deeply divided Israelis and disrupted national politics through five election cycles.

Following Netanyahu's decisive electoral victory in 2022, his right-wing government initiated efforts targeting the judiciary, sparking massive protests across Israel and raising concerns among Western allies about Israel's democratic institutions. Netanyahu denied any connection between judicial reform efforts and his trial. While he largely abandoned these initiatives after war broke out, he has recently revived some anti-judiciary rhetoric.