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Corruption at the Helm: How Netanyahu’s Trial Exposes Israel’s Rot and Opens Doors for Resistance

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Corruption at the Helm: How Netanyahu’s Trial Exposes Israel’s Rot and Opens Doors for Resistance

Benjamin Netanyahu—Israel’s longest-serving and most polarizing prime minister—is on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three major corruption cases known as 1000, 2000, and 4000. These charges cut directly into the core of his political empire. He was indicted in 2019 while still in office, and ever since, the legal process has been repeatedly stalled under the pretext of “national security”—a tool he has weaponized amid ongoing wars in Gaza and confrontations with Lebanon and Syria.

This analysis clarifies the allegations, evaluates the likelihood of conviction, and examines the broader consequences. Inside Israel, the trial has weakened Netanyahu’s coalition and eroded public confidence. Regionally, it has pushed him toward reckless military escalation to distract from his legal peril and rally his base.

Viewed from the axis of resistance, Netanyahu’s trial does not reflect a healthy judicial system; rather, it reveals a state unable to correct its own corruption. His political survival increasingly depends on external interference—especially repeated interventions from Donald Trump—while every delay exposes deeper internal decay. Whether Netanyahu is convicted, pardoned, or simply protected by procedural stalling, the trial accelerates Israel’s political fragmentation and opens strategic opportunities for Palestinian, Lebanese, and regional resistance actors.

Why Is Netanyahu Being Taken to Court?

Netanyahu’s prosecution stems from three criminal cases filed by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in February 2020. It is the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting prime minister has faced criminal charges.

Case 1000 – Illicit Gifts

Netanyahu and his wife allegedly received over $200,000 worth of cigars, jewelry, and champagne from businessman Arnon Milchan and billionaire James Packer. In return, Netanyahu allegedly offered political favors, including assistance with visas and business matters.

Case 2000 – Media Manipulation

Netanyahu is accused of negotiating with Arnon Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, for favorable coverage in exchange for legislation that would weaken rival newspaper Israel Hayom.

Case 4000 – The Most Serious Charge: Bribery

This case alleges that Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits worth hundreds of millions of shekels to Shaul Elovitch, owner of Bezeq and the Walla news site. In return, Walla allegedly provided Netanyahu with consistently positive coverage. This case carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Investigations began between 2016 and 2017, intensifying during Netanyahu’s 2019 election campaign. He attempted—and failed—to secure parliamentary immunity. The trial formally began in May 2020, but Netanyahu has repeatedly delayed proceedings, frequently citing “diplomatic” and “security” obligations. One notable delay occurred in June 2025, following pressure from Donald Trump related to U.S.–Israeli strategic coordination.

Will He Be Convicted? Three Scenarios

Netanyahu is already indicted and on trial. The real question is whether the evidence—testimonies, recordings, and documented exchanges—will translate into a conviction.

1. Charges Dropped or Plea Deal – 30% probability

Netanyahu could pressure President Isaac Herzog for a pardon before the final verdict. Coalition partners like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have already begun framing the charges as “fabrications.” A partial plea deal that removes the bribery charge is also possible.

2. De Facto Immunity Through Delay – 45% probability

This is Netanyahu’s favored strategy. Endless postponements—over 30 defense delays by mid-2025 alone—could push the trial past the 2026 elections or bury it under wartime emergencies. This method mirrors how Netanyahu has survived every political scandal over the past two decades.

3. Full Trial and Conviction – 25% probability

If prosecutors successfully demonstrate bribery in Case 4000, Netanyahu could face 5–10 years in prison, forcing a resignation. The lower probability reflects Netanyahu’s influence over political messaging, Likud pressure on the judiciary, and ongoing U.S. support that softens institutional resolve.

Domestic Consequences Inside Israel

The trial has deepened political fractures inside Israel: • Coalition instability: Netanyahu’s partners remain loyal only because their power depends on his. A conviction—or even a strong cross-examination—could trigger defections. • Erosion of public trust: Many Israelis now see the system as corrupt, whether they blame Netanyahu or the judiciary. • Institutional paralysis: Key decisions on Gaza, Lebanon, and judicial reform are stalled as political energy is consumed by Netanyahu’s legal strategies. • Security misuse: Netanyahu repeatedly invokes security crises to delay the trial, making war a political instrument.

For Israel’s judiciary and political elites, the trial represents a struggle between legal accountability and the entrenched power of a leader who has merged governance with personal survival.

Axis of Resistance Perspective: Strategic Vulnerabilities

From the axis-of-resistance viewpoint, the trial does not offer justice—but it exposes state decay that resistance actors can exploit. • Netanyahu’s desperate need for distraction increases the likelihood of rash military decisions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. • Internal Israeli fractures weaken deterrence and morale across Israeli society. • U.S. and Trump interventions reveal Israel’s dependency and loss of strategic autonomy. • Judicial paralysis indicates that Israel is struggling to maintain the façade of a functioning democratic system.

The trial exposes the same logic that governs Israel’s military actions: corruption, self-interest, and political survival dressed as “national security.” As Netanyahu clings to power, Israel’s internal divisions deepen, creating new openings for calibrated, strategic pressure.

Conclusion

Netanyahu’s trial embodies Israel’s crisis: a leader mired in corruption, a judiciary too weak to deliver justice, and a political system dependent on foreign backing and wartime distraction. Whether he is convicted, pardoned, or protected through delays, the process has already damaged Israel’s legitimacy and stability. The axis of resistance sees in these cracks not just scandal, but strategic opportunity. As Netanyahu fights for personal survival, Israel continues its slow internal unraveling—on the legal front, in the streets, and on the battlefield.