Israel PM Netanyahu's testimony in corruption trial resumes after hiatus due to Iran war

Jerusalem, April 28 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed his testimony in a criminal trial at a Tel Aviv court on Tuesday, after a two-month pause due to the Iran war.

Netanyahu, who faces charges in three corruption cases, was due to resume testimony on Monday, which was cancelled after his lawyer requested a postponement, citing "security-related scheduling constraints."

During Tuesday's testimony, prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh continued the questioning in the so-called Case 4000, in which Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulations that benefited Shaul Elovitch, then controlling shareholder of Bezeq, Israel's largest telecommunications company, and the Walla news website, in exchange for favorable coverage, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Netanyahu is charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies all charges.

According to Israel's Haaretz newspaper, Netanyahu's previous appearance on February 24 marked the 80th time he testified in the trial.

An emergency was declared nationwide in late February after Israel and the United States launched the war on Iran, forcing the closure of many institutions, businesses and schools. Courts also operated in "emergency mode," with only urgent hearings held via video.

Normal operations resumed two weeks ago, but Netanyahu's lawyers have repeatedly requested delays of the testimony, saying he is required to handle security matters.

In November, Netanyahu submitted a pardon request to President Isaac Herzog. The document includes request from Netanyahu's lawyer Amit Hadad and a letter signed by Netanyahu, local media reported on Sunday.

Hadad has submitted 111-page request to Herzog's Residence Legal Department.

In the request, Hadad wrote, "Granting this request will allow the prime minister to devote all of his time, abilities, and energy to advancing Israel in these critical times" "and to dealing with the challenges and opportunities that lie before it. In addition, granting the request will help mend rifts between different sectors of the public, open the door to lowering the intensity of tensions, all for the purpose of strengthening the country’s national resilience," The Times of Israel reported.

According to Herzog's office, the Justice Ministry Pardons Department will take views of all relevant authorities in the ministry and then send their recommendations to Herzog's legal advisor.

In a statement, Herzog's office stated, "The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications." It stated, "After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request."

Israel President has the authority to grant pardons to those convicted in court and in rare cases, even prior to the completion of legal proceedings, if it is considered to be in the public interest.

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