Netanyahu trial moves slowly ahead during war, AG says 'clear public interest' in finishing soon

The prime minister's trial has been a background issue during the Gaza War

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With the ongoing war in Gaza since Oct. 7, the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not received much media attention lately.

However, the proceedings, which began in 2020, are moving slowly along. Last week, the prosecution finished bringing witnesses in Case 4000, possibly the most serious of three corruption cases against Netanyahu.

Case 4000 involves charges that Netanyahu issued favorable regulatory decisions for Israeli telecommunications company Bezeq in exchange for favorable coverage on Israel's Walla news site, which is owned by Bezeq’s principal shareholder, Shaul Elovitch.

The defense portion of the trial is set to begin in December, with Netanyahu himself being the first witness to testify.

The prime minister denied all charges in the three cases, saying they were fabricated against him by political opponents using the police and state prosecutors.

Because of the corruption trials, Netanyahu was required to sign a conflict-of-interest agreement after being indicted. The agreement was intended to prevent his using the role of prime minister to affect the outcome of his trials.

As a result, the document forbids Netanyahu from becoming involved in issues of law enforcement, state courts, certain matters related to the Communications Ministry, or any legislation that could affect the trials. He is also prevented from dealing with affected parties in the cases as part of his role as prime minister.

Recently, a petition was filed by 70 people, including hostage family members, asking Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to update the conflict-of-interest agreement due to concerns that Netanyahu is conducting the war and the hostage negotiations in a way that personally benefits him.

In response, the attorney general asked the High Court of Justice to dismiss the petition, saying there is “a clear public interest in wrapping up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial as soon as possible.”

In her response, Baharav-Miara stated that the prime minister was already obligated to use his power solely in the public interest.

“This is also true, of course, about actions and decisions relating to the war,” she added.

She stated there was no reason to update the conflict-of-interest agreement due to the war.

Last year, during the judicial reform controversy, Baharav-Miara warned Netanyahu several times that he had violated the agreement because of his involvement in overseeing certain aspects of the reforms. However, she rejected several petitions asking her to order Netanyahu to step aside.

The corruption trial against Netanyahu was temporarily delayed following the outbreak of war but trial proceedings resumed after a couple of months.

The trial is expected to last several years, with some experts predicting a resolution in 2028-2029.