Benjamin Netanyahu, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Israel, is currently facing two major legal battles involving a long-running corruption trial in Israel and an international arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
1. Domestic Corruption Trial (The Cases)
Netanyahu was officially indicted in November 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases, often referred to as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000. The trial began in May 2020 in the Jerusalem District Court. He denies all charges, claiming he is the victim of a politically motivated "witch-hunt."
Case 1000: The "Gifts Affair"
Allegation: Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of receiving illicit gifts—primarily expensive cigars and champagne—worth hundreds of thousands of shekels (around \$200,000) from two wealthy businessmen, Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
Quid Pro Quo: In exchange, Netanyahu allegedly advanced the businessmen's interests, including seeking a U.S. visa for Milchan and promoting a tax exemption law that would have benefited Israelis abroad.
Charge: Fraud and Breach of Trust.
Case 2000: The "Yedioth Ahronoth Affair"
Allegation: Netanyahu is accused of a corrupt bargain with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
Quid Pro Quo: Netanyahu allegedly offered to promote legislation that would limit the circulation of the rival newspaper, Israel Hayom, in exchange for favorable coverage of himself and his family in Yedioth Ahronoth.
Charge: Fraud and Breach of Trust.
Case 4000: The "Bezeq-Walla Affair"
Allegation: This is considered the most serious case, as it includes a bribery charge. Netanyahu, while serving as Communications Minister, allegedly provided regulatory benefits worth millions to Israeli telecom giant Bezeq.
Quid Pro Quo: In return, Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Bezeq and the owner of the news website Walla!, allegedly ensured positive, slanted coverage of Netanyahu and his family on the news site.
Charge: Bribery, Fraud, and Breach of Trust.
2. International Criminal Court (ICC) Arrest Warrant
In November 2024, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) applied for and was granted an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu (as well as his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the context of the conflict in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The specific crimes alleged by the ICC prosecutor include:
War Crime of Starvation as a method of warfare.
War Crime of Intentionally Directing an Attack Against the Civilian Population.
Crimes Against Humanity of Murder and Persecution.
Other Inhumane Acts.
Israel is not a member of the ICC and rejects the court's jurisdiction and the charges. However, the arrest warrant means that Netanyahu could theoretically be subject to arrest if he travels to any of the ICC's 124 member states.
Disclaimer: Benjamin Netanyahu has denied all allegations in both the domestic corruption trial and the charges from the International Criminal Court. The Israeli corruption trial is ongoing.
