Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to the Tel Aviv District Court on Monday, February 23, 2026, marking his 79th court appearance in his long-running corruption trial. The session focused on the continuation of cross-examination in Case 4000, one of three separate cases in which he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Local media, including Maariv newspaper and Anadolu Agency, reported on the proceedings, highlighting the persistent legal battles that have shadowed Netanyahu's political career for years.
Case 4000, considered the most serious of the trio, centers on allegations that Netanyahu engaged in a quid pro quo arrangement with businessman Shaul Elovitch, the former controlling shareholder of Bezeq telecommunications and owner of the Walla news website. Prosecutors claim that, while serving concurrently as prime minister and communications minister between 2012 and 2017, Netanyahu advanced regulatory decisions worth hundreds of millions of shekels to Bezeq—such as approving mergers and easing oversight—in exchange for favorable media coverage on Walla. This allegedly included instructions to limit negative reporting about Netanyahu and his family, suppress stories about his political rivals, and promote positive narratives. Elovitch, who faces related bribery charges, has denied wrongdoing, as has Netanyahu.
During the hearing, tensions reportedly surfaced as Netanyahu accused lead prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh of misrepresenting facts related to his interactions with key figures in the case. The prime minister has consistently maintained his innocence, describing the entire prosecution as a politically motivated "witch hunt" orchestrated by rivals, the media, and elements within the judiciary to undermine his leadership. He has refused to admit any guilt throughout the trial, which began with witness testimony in 2020 and saw Netanyahu himself take the stand for cross-examination starting in late 2024.
The three cases date back to indictments filed by then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in November 2019:
Case 1000 involves allegations that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, accepted lavish gifts—estimated at over 700,000 shekels ($210,000)—including cigars, champagne, and jewelry from wealthy businessmen like Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. In return, Netanyahu allegedly provided favors, such as intervening in U.S. visa issues or tax matters.
Case 2000 accuses Netanyahu of negotiating with Arnon Mozes, publisher of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, to enact legislation that would harm a rival publication (Israel Hayom) in exchange for more favorable coverage in Yedioth Ahronoth.
Case 4000, the focus of recent sessions, is the only one including direct bribery charges against Netanyahu.
The trial has progressed slowly due to its complexity, involving hundreds of witnesses, extensive evidence, and multiple delays attributed to security concerns, political events, and procedural issues. Hearings have been held intermittently, with some canceled or shortened. As of early 2026, cross-examination in Case 4000 has dominated recent appearances, with prosecutors pressing Netanyahu on alleged conflicts of interest and efforts to shape media narratives.
Outside the courthouse, several protesters gathered to demonstrate against Netanyahu, calling for accountability and an end to what they view as corruption at the highest levels of government. The protests reflect Israel's deep societal divisions, exacerbated by the ongoing legal saga and broader political polarization.
Complicating matters further is Netanyahu's formal request for a presidential pardon, submitted on November 30, 2025, to President Isaac Herzog. The request seeks clemency for all corruption charges without any admission of guilt or commitment to retire from politics—an unusual approach under Israeli law, which typically requires acknowledgment of wrongdoing for a pardon to be considered. Herzog's office has stated that the request remains under legal review by the Ministry of Justice, with no decision yet made. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Herzog to grant the pardon, including public criticism in February 2026 calling Herzog "disgraceful" for the delay, though Netanyahu's office distanced itself from pressuring Herzog directly.
The corruption proceedings unfold against the backdrop of Netanyahu's international legal challenges. Since November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu (along with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The charges include using starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. Israel, not a party to the ICC, rejects the court's jurisdiction and has condemned the warrants as biased and antisemitic. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on ICC officials in response.
The Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has continued with varying intensity. Israel launched a large-scale offensive that persisted for over two years, resulting in massive destruction. As of February 2026, Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 72,000 Palestinians killed, with independent studies in journals like The Lancet Global Health estimating even higher figures—potentially exceeding 75,000 violent deaths in the first 16–24 months alone, plus additional non-violent fatalities from disease, malnutrition, and infrastructure collapse. Over 171,000 injuries have been documented, and approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. A ceasefire took effect in late 2025, but the humanitarian crisis remains severe.
Netanyahu's dual domestic and international legal pressures continue to fuel debate in Israel about governance, judicial independence, and accountability. Supporters view the cases as attempts to delegitimize a democratically elected leader, while critics argue they expose systemic abuse of power. The trial's outcome—and any potential pardon—could profoundly impact Israeli politics for years to come.
