Israel-Gaza war: Netanyahu corruption trial resumes in midst of war with Hamas in Jerusalem

David Amsalem, a member Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party called the resumption of proceedings during the war ‘a disgrace’

Netanyahu and his allies argue accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust are politically motivated, and said his accusers are engaging in a ‘witch hunt’

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial resumed despite the country’s continuing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The PM has repeatedly rejected all the charges and said his accusers are engaging in a “witch hunt.” Photo: dpa

Published: 11:23pm, 4 Dec 2023Updated: 12:47am, 5 Dec 2023

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial resumed on Monday, despite the country’s continuing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The trial was suspended after the Palestinian militant group’s bloody October 7 attack on southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 240 more kidnapped according to Israeli officials.

Netanyahu, leader of Israel’s right-wing Likud party, is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, allegations he denies.

Minister David Amsalem of Likud called the resumption of proceedings during the war “a disgrace”.

“War? Captives? … No, no. The most important thing now is to renew Netanyahu’s trial,” said Amsalem on Sunday on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Netanyahu and his allies have argued the accusations against him are politically motivated, and said his accusers are engaging in a “witch hunt”. Netanyahu had proposed a judicial overhaul that would have curbed some powers held by the courts.