Closed Doors and New Defense Tactics: Netanyahu Back in Court

The proceedings cover three major cases known as “1000,” “2000,” and “4000.” Case “1000” concerns gifts worth hundreds of thousands of shekels — cigars, champagne, and jewelry — allegedly received by Netanyahu and his wife from wealthy businessmen. Prosecutors claim that in exchange, the prime minister used his position to lobby for the benefactors’ interests.

Case “2000” focuses on Netanyahu’s secret arrangements with Arnon Moses, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth. The prosecution alleges that Netanyahu offered to restrict the operations of the rival newspaper Israel Hayom in exchange for favorable coverage of his political activities — a direct attempt to manipulate the media market and public opinion through private deals.

The most complex is case “4000,” involving regulatory benefits granted to Bezeq, owned by media tycoon Shaul Elovitch. In return for positive coverage on the news portal Walla!, owned by Elovitch, Netanyahu allegedly provided business favors at the governmental level. Prosecutors describe this episode as an example of systemic, high-level corruption.

Netanyahu continues to deny all charges, calling the process a “political persecution” and a “witch hunt.” The trial, ongoing since 2020, has undergone several procedural revisions. Hearings have been repeatedly delayed amid numerous defense motions, often citing the prime minister’s “wartime duties” as a reason for postponement.

The lead defense attorney, Amit Hadad, remains central to the case. Recently, he threatened that the entire legal team might resign if the court does not reduce the schedule requiring four hearings per week — three of which Netanyahu must attend. Hadad argued that the prime minister “cannot simultaneously lead the country and sit in court during wartime.” The opposition, however, called this a “tactical maneuver” to stall the process.

Hadad has been handling all three cases alone since one of his colleagues left for “family reasons.” Observers note that the defense is using the ongoing war as a pretext for delay, despite the previously signed ceasefire agreement between the conflicting sides.

Pressure on the court comes not only from within but also from abroad. U.S. President Donald Trump, himself facing legal challenges, publicly urged the suspension of Netanyahu’s trial, remarking, “Who’s thinking about cigars right now?” His comment sparked renewed debate about American political interference in other countries’ judicial affairs.

Meanwhile, the Knesset is discussing the so-called “Bennett Law,” which would temporarily suspend criminal proceedings against a sitting prime minister during wartime. Supporters argue it is necessary for “governing stability,” while critics warn it threatens judicial independence. Similar proposals in 2023 triggered mass protests and nearly caused a constitutional crisis.

The Netanyahu trial remains a symbol of Israel’s internal divide — between those advocating stronger executive power and those defending judicial independence. Despite political pressure and delays, the court intends to see the proceedings through. The next hearings are scheduled for November, and prosecutors say the review of evidence is approaching its final stage.

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