{
  "id": 6011292,
  "title": "Netanyahu trial resumes as defense phase moves beyond prime minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/netanyahu-trial-resumes-as-defense-phase-moves-beyond-prime-minister",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T18:26:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-907745"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netanyahu's criminal trial resumed at the Jerusalem District Court on Sunday, marking the beginning of the defense phase. The remaining witnesses for Netanyahu and his three co-defendants will take the stand, with four hearing days planned for the week. MK Ze'ev Elkin's cross-examination is scheduled for Monday, while Police Chief Superintendent Shmuel Sharvit is set to testify on Tuesday and Wednesday. The defense aims to challenge the prosecution's account of the investigations and question the lawfulness of evidence obtained. The most critical issue remaining is the bribery charge in Case 4000, the Bezeq-Walla affair. Judges have continued to express doubts about the evidence for this charge, but the prosecution has not withdrawn it. Netanyahu and his co-defendants deny any wrongdoing, with Netanyahu arguing that the actions were professionally justified. The trial has been ongoing since May 2020 and is expected to conclude with final arguments and a verdict in the near future.",
  "summary": "Sunday’s hearing focused primarily on organizing the witness schedule and determining which defense witnesses will be called, rather than hearing new evidence.",
  "key_points": [
    "Netanyahu's trial resumed at Jerusalem District Court, marking defense phase",
    "Four hearing days planned for defense witnesses, including MK Ze'ev Elkin",
    "Prosecution's bribery charge in Bezeq-Walla affair remains critical issue"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}