The corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resumed in Jerusalem after a temporary suspension due to wartime activities. Netanyahu, who is facing charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, becomes the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial.

The trial, which has been ongoing for over three years, centers around three separate cases involving influential media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu is accused of offering favors to Israeli telecom giant Bezeq during his tenure as communications minister in exchange for positive media coverage. Additionally, he is alleged to have accepted extravagant gifts worth approximately 700,000 shekels over a period of nine years, including jewelry, cigars, and pink champagne, in return for assisting Israeli Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan with tax payments.

Bribery charges in Israel carry a potential jail sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine, while fraud and breach of trust carry a maximum prison term of three years. Throughout the trial, Netanyahu maintains his innocence, describing the allegations as part of a "witch hunt." He asserts that the gifts were given to him by friends and denies ever soliciting bribes.

The trial, which commenced in 2020, marks a historic moment as no sitting Israeli prime minister has previously faced such legal proceedings. However, it was temporarily halted following the deadly raids across Israeli territory by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The attacks resulted in the formation of an emergency war cabinet by Netanyahu, leading to retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. In the conflict, Israeli authorities report more than 1,200 Israeli casualties, while officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza claim the deaths of over 15,500 Palestinians.

With the resumption of the trial, Netanyahu's legal fate hangs in the balance, and the proceedings will continue to scrutinize the allegations against him. The outcome of this landmark trial will undoubtedly have significant implications for Israeli politics and the country's leadership in the years to come.