As reported by Channel NewsAsia (15 Oct 2025)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a Tel Aviv court on Wednesday for the latest hearing in his ongoing corruption trial, first opened in May 2020.
The Israeli leader, who has served more than 18 years across multiple terms, maintained a smiling demeanor as he arrived at the courthouse, accompanied by senior ministers from his Likud party, despite being heckled by protesters outside the venue.
Three Corruption Cases, One Prime Minister
Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases, including allegations that he and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, received over US$260,000 worth of gifts—such as champagne, cigars, and jewellery—from wealthy benefactors in exchange for political favors.
He is also accused of attempting to influence media coverage by negotiating preferential treatment with two major Israeli news outlets.
Netanyahu has consistently denied all wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of a politically motivated campaign.
Trump Suggests Pardon During Knesset Address
The hearing came just days after former US President Donald Trump publicly called for Netanyahu to be pardoned, during an address to the Knesset on Monday.
“Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?” Trump remarked, suggesting that Israeli President Isaac Herzog should consider issuing a pardon.
Trump’s comments followed a US-brokered ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, part of his proposed plan to end the Gaza war.
Judicial Reforms and ICC Warrant Add Pressure
Since returning to power in late 2022, Netanyahu has championed a series of judicial reforms that critics say were intended to weaken Israel’s courts. These controversial measures sparked massive nationwide protests, which only subsided after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Adding to his challenges, Netanyahu remains under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of ordering war crimes during Israel’s military campaign against Hamas militants.
Israel’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu holds the record as Israel’s longest-serving leader, with multiple tenures as prime minister dating back to 1996. Despite mounting legal and political troubles, he continues to command strong support among his conservative base, even as international scrutiny over Israel’s wartime conduct intensifies.
Netanyahu Appears in Court for Long-Running Corruption Trial Amid Trump’s Call for Pardon
As reported by Channel NewsAsia (15 Oct 2025)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a Tel Aviv court on Wednesday for the latest hearing in his ongoing corruption trial, first opened in May 2020.
The Israeli leader, who has served more than 18 years across multiple terms, maintained a smiling demeanor as he arrived at the courthouse, accompanied by senior ministers from his Likud party, despite being heckled by protesters outside the venue.
Three Corruption Cases, One Prime Minister
Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases, including allegations that he and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, received over US$260,000 worth of gifts—such as champagne, cigars, and jewellery—from wealthy benefactors in exchange for political favors.
He is also accused of attempting to influence media coverage by negotiating preferential treatment with two major Israeli news outlets.
Netanyahu has consistently denied all wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of a politically motivated campaign.
Trump Suggests Pardon During Knesset Address
The hearing came just days after former US President Donald Trump publicly called for Netanyahu to be pardoned, during an address to the Knesset on Monday.
“Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?” Trump remarked, suggesting that Israeli President Isaac Herzog should consider issuing a pardon.
Trump’s comments followed a US-brokered ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, part of his proposed plan to end the Gaza war.
Judicial Reforms and ICC Warrant Add Pressure
Since returning to power in late 2022, Netanyahu has championed a series of judicial reforms that critics say were intended to weaken Israel’s courts. These controversial measures sparked massive nationwide protests, which only subsided after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Adding to his challenges, Netanyahu remains under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of ordering war crimes during Israel’s military campaign against Hamas militants.
Israel’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu holds the record as Israel’s longest-serving leader, with multiple tenures as prime minister dating back to 1996. Despite mounting legal and political troubles, he continues to command strong support among his conservative base, even as international scrutiny over Israel’s wartime conduct intensifies.
