How the Netanyahu corruption trial unfolded

Attorney General announces intention to indict, subject to a hearing

Attorney General announces the indictment in Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000

Indictment filed in court after Netanyahu withdraws his immunity request

Indictment (as reported by Al Jazeera). The indictment charging bribery, fraud and breach of trust was filed after Netanyahu withdrew his request to the Knesset for immunity.

Trial opens in the Jerusalem District Court

Netanyahu pleads not guilty in writing

Written plea (as reported by AP via PBS). Netanyahu's lawyers submitted a written response pleading not guilty.

Judges suggest the prosecution consider dropping the bribery charge

Written record of the judges' remarks (as reported by The Times of Israel). The judges told the parties there were difficulties in establishing the bribery offence in the first charge and suggested the state consider withdrawing it. The prosecution declined.

Netanyahu submits a pardon request to President Herzog

Receipt of pardon request (as reported by The Irish Times). The President's Office said Herzog would receive legal opinions before considering what it called an extraordinary request.

Herzog says a deal between the parties should be sought before he decides

Statement on the pardon request (as reported by Reuters via Arab News). Herzog said efforts should first be exhausted to reach an agreement between the parties outside the courtroom before he decides on the request.

Prosecution concludes cross-examination of Netanyahu

Judges repeat their suggestion that the prosecution consider dropping the bribery charge

Judges' remarks after Netanyahu's testimony (as reported by Ynetnews). After the cross-examination ended, the panel said its 2023 position stood, that there were difficulties in proving the bribery offence in Case 4000 and that the prosecution should consider withdrawing it. The remarks were a recommendation, not a ruling, and the charge remains. The Attorney General and State Attorney had refused the 2023 suggestion.

Trial moves to a five-day-a-week hearing schedule

Expanded hearing schedule (as reported by The Jerusalem Post). Hearings began running five days a week, over objections from both the prosecution and the defence, to complete the evidence before the presiding judge's expected retirement in March 2028.

Herzog says the trial should end with a plea agreement and that Netanyahu has not responded to his mediation proposal