By Suleman Chitera

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to return to court on Sunday as his long-running corruption trial resumes following a pause during the recent conflict with Iran.

The proceedings had been temporarily suspended under emergency conditions triggered by the war, but with a fragile ceasefire now in place, judicial processes are moving forward once again. However, Netanyahu has requested a delay to his testimony, citing ongoing national security responsibilities and limited time to prepare his defense.

Through his legal team, the prime minister argued that the demands of managing the conflict and its aftermath have made it difficult to adequately focus on the case. Prosecutors, however, are expected to push for the trial to proceed without further delays.

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Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in a case that has been ongoing since 2020. He has repeatedly denied all allegations, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at removing him from power.

The resumption of the trial places Netanyahu under renewed legal and political pressure at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high despite the ceasefire. Analysts say the overlapping crises—legal battles at home and security challenges abroad—could test his leadership in the coming weeks.

The court is expected to decide whether to grant the requested delay as proceedings resume.