Israeli premier appears before court in corruption case as assessment for presidential pardon continues

By Abdel Raouf Arnaout and Betul Yilmaz

JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL (AA) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the Tel Aviv District Court on Tuesday in his corruption trial, as the assessment process for his presidential pardon continues.

According to Channel 12, Netanyahu appeared before the court to answer charges in Case 4000.

The Israeli premier will attend another trial session on Wednesday for a three-hour hearing, the channel added.

Last week, Netanyahu submitted an official request to President Isaac Herzog to be pardoned of his corruption charges.

The request sparked divisions in Israel, as many opposed granting a pardon unless Netanyahu admits guilt and withdraws from political life.

The premier has repeatedly refused to admit guilt and recently stated that he will not quit politics in case of pardon of charges.

In January, Netanyahu began interrogation sessions related to corruption charges in cases designated 1000, 2000, and 4000, all of which he denies.

The Israeli prime minister also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over atrocities in Gaza, where over 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.