Israel Ends State of Emergency: Netanyahu Corruption Trial Resumes

The corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to resume on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The resumption follows the decision by the Israeli government to lift a state of emergency on April 8, 2026, which had been imposed during a military conflict with Iran.

A spokesperson for the Israeli courts confirmed on April 9, 2026, that judicial operations would return to their normal schedule. The state of emergency, which had caused the closure of workplaces and schools across the country, was rescinded on the evening of April 8, 2026, after a ceasefire agreement took effect.

With the lifting of the state of emergency and the restoration of judicial operations, hearings will resume as scheduled.

Israeli courts statement, April 9, 2026

Court hearings are expected to be conducted between Sundays and Wednesdays each week. The legal proceedings had been suspended due to the escalation of hostilities in the region.

Conflict with Iran and Regional Tensions

The conflict that led to the suspension of the trial began on February 28, 2026, when Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump launched air strikes against Iran. According to official reports, these military operations were intended to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, prevent the country from projecting force on an international scale, and encourage the overthrow of the Iranian government.

Following these strikes, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched drone and ballistic missile attacks against Israel, prompting the declaration of the state of emergency. While a ceasefire has since been reached and no Iranian missiles have been reported since 3 a.m. On April 9, 2026, the truce is described as fragile.

The stability of the ceasefire has been challenged by ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. On April 8, 2026, Israel carried out intense and deadly strikes targeting Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran.

Trial Background and Charges

Benjamin Netanyahu is the first sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to be criminally indicted. The charges against him include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which were filed in 2019 following several years of investigation.

The trial officially began in 2020 but has faced numerous delays. Court officials have noted that the proceedings have been repeatedly postponed due to the prime minister’s official commitments and duties, and there is currently no established end date for the trial.

Netanyahu has consistently denied all charges brought against him. If convicted, the prime minister could face prison sentences.

Pardon Requests and Legal Process

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon. Trump has argued that the requirement for the prime minister to make regular court appearances undermines his capacity to carry out his official responsibilities.

The office of President Herzog has indicated that the process for considering a pardon follows standard legal practice. The Justice Ministry’s pardons department is tasked with gathering various opinions, which will then be submitted to the president’s legal adviser. The adviser will then formulate a formal recommendation for the president.

Despite these requests, legal precedents suggest that pardons are rarely granted while a criminal trial is still ongoing.