Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court for his long-running corruption trial as former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon him.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to a Tel Aviv court on Wednesday for a new hearing in his corruption trial, which began in May 2020. The embattled leader, accompanied by several ministers from his Likud party, was greeted by protesters while maintaining a smile. His appearance followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks urging Israel to pardon him, saying, “Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?” Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting over $260,000 in luxury gifts from billionaires in exchange for political favours.
He also faces charges of seeking favourable media coverage from Israeli outlets, allegations he denies as part of a “political plot.” His trial resumes amid an International Criminal Court warrant accusing him of war crimes during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader with 18 years in office, has faced intense criticism over his proposed judicial reforms and the ongoing Gaza war.