Five elections, two wars and one International Criminal Court warrant later, Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu is still running Israel—yet he’s also the first sitting prime minister to battle a graft trial in real time. Indicted in November 2019 and hauled into the Jerusalem District Court on May 24, 2020, he faces bribery, fraud and breach-of-trust charges across Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000, a saga that has already seen 333 prosecution witnesses and defense testimony that began in December 2024.
The stakes aren’t just legal: online traders on Polymarket put the odds of Netanyahu losing the premiership in 2025 at about 22 percent, turning his courtroom drama into a literal betting market—all while he juggles a grinding Gaza war and a headline-grabbing June 12 strike on Iran’s nuclear sites.
The Three Cases at a Glance
- Case 1000 – The “Gifts Affair”
- Case 2000 – The “Newspaper Deal”
- Case 4000 – The Bezeq-Walla! bribery case
Together, they allege bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Case 1000: Lavish Gifts Worth ~ ₪700,000
Prosecutors say Netanyahu and his wife accepted cigars, champagne and jewelry from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer, and then tried to advance Milchan’s visa and tax interests.
Case 2000: Seeking Softer Headlines
Secret recordings capture Netanyahu discussing legislation that would hobble rival daily Israel Hayom in exchange for friendlier coverage from Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes.
Case 4000: The Bezeq-Walla! Bribery Allegation
While also communications minister, Netanyahu allegedly pushed regulatory changes worth hundreds of millions of shekels to Bezeq owner Shaul Elovitch. In return, Elovitch’s news site Walla! purportedly gave Netanyahu’s family flattering coverage. This is the only case that includes a formal bribery charge.
From Probe to Indictment
- Dec 2016: Police open investigations.
- Nov 21, 2019: Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit files indictments for all three cases.
The move forced Netanyahu to surrender all ministerial posts except the premiership.
Courtroom Marathon Since May 2020
The trial began on May 24, 2020. Over 333 witnesses were listed, and prosecutors rested in July 2024 after more than three years of testimony.
Netanyahu Takes the Stand
Defense testimony opened on December 2, 2024; Netanyahu branded the charges an “ocean of absurdity.” Cross-examination resumed on June 3, 2025 and could continue well into 2026.
The “Witch-Hunt” Defense
Netanyahu insists the accusations are politically motivated, likening them to a “witch hunt” and claiming hostile media and left-wing rivals want him ousted through the courts.
Shockwaves Through Israeli Politics
The trial fueled 2023’s mass protests over Netanyahu’s judicial-overhaul plan and deepened divisions during the 2024–25 Gaza war. Despite the turmoil, Israeli law lets him remain PM until a final conviction.
Global Ripples and Outside Pressure
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently urged Israel to “end the witch hunt,” while the International Criminal Court has sought Netanyahu’s arrest on Gaza-war allegations—piling diplomatic strain atop the corruption saga.
What Happens Next?
Legal analysts expect no verdict before 2026 unless a plea bargain emerges. A conviction for bribery could carry up to 10 years in prison; acquittal would almost certainly reshape Israel’s political future.
