Netanyahu trial resumes as defense phase moves beyond prime minister

Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial resumed in Jerusalem on Sunday, but the hearing turned mainly on who will testify next rather than new evidence. The defense phase is now moving beyond the prime minister’s own testimony and toward witnesses for him and his three co-defendants.

Netanyahu completed his testimony in June after 98 hearing days over a year and a half. Four hearing days are scheduled this week. According to a notice from his defense team, cross-examination of Knesset member Ze’ev Elkin is due to continue on Monday. Ronit Mandelbaum may testify later that day, while Police Chief Superintendent Shmuel Sharvit is scheduled to appear on Tuesday and Wednesday. The defense has asked the court to summon both Mandelbaum and Sharvit.

Their testimony is expected to support the defense challenge to the prosecution’s account of how the investigations were conducted and whether evidence was obtained lawfully and properly. The trial has also returned to its original venue at the Jerusalem District Court. Netanyahu’s testimony took place at the Tel Aviv District Court under special security arrangements.

The most consequential unresolved issue remains the bribery charge in Case 4000, known as the Bezeq-Walla affair. Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu, while serving as prime minister and communications minister, advanced regulatory decisions benefiting Bezeq and its controlling shareholder, Shaul Elovitch. In return, they allege, Netanyahu and his family received unusually favorable treatment from Walla, the news site also controlled by Elovitch.

After Netanyahu finished testifying, the judges said their assessment from June 2023 had not changed. They continued to see evidentiary difficulties in proving bribery and believed prosecutors should consider withdrawing the charge. The judges did not order its withdrawal, and the indictment remains unchanged. Netanyahu and the Elovitches deny that any exchange took place. Netanyahu has argued that Walla remained hostile toward him.