BySARAH BEN-NUN

JUNE 17, 2026 12:45

The rebuttal phase of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial advanced at the Tel Aviv District Court on Wednesday, moving from direct cross-examination by prosecutors to inquiries led by lawyers representing his co-defendants in the media-related matters.

Attorney Sharon Kleinman, acting for Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes, directed questions at Netanyahu concerning prosecution assertions that alleged agreements between the two men resulted in reduced negative reporting about the prime minister in Yediot Aharonot and Ynet following their sixth meeting in December 2014.

Netanyahu described the prosecution's position on this point as entirely unfounded when invited to address claims of altered coverage patterns by the Yediot group.

Case 2000 involves discussions between Netanyahu and Mozes prior to the 2015 election. The indictment alleges that Mozes proposed more favorable treatment of Netanyahu in Yediot Aharonot and Ynet along with harsher coverage of rivals in return for Netanyahu's support in advancing limits on Israel Hayom, a free newspaper seen as a significant commercial competitor to Yediot Aharonot.

Netanyahu stands accused of fraud and breach of trust in this matter, while Mozes faces charges of offering a bribe. Both individuals have rejected the allegations.

Prosecution maintains that Yediot and Ynet reporting reflected improper influence

Kleinman's approach focused on drawing out key elements from the prosecution's earlier questioning that could support Mozes's position.

This involved examining claims that shifts in tone within Yediot and Ynet publications after the December 2014 encounters served as evidence of benefits provided to Netanyahu under the alleged arrangement.

Kleinman noted that contacts between Netanyahu and Mozes persisted for about a month after their sixth meeting before concluding on poor terms, and pointed to a period of comparatively milder criticism during that interval.

Several instances of critical articles were introduced for Netanyahu's comment, apparently to test whether the reporting aligned with the prosecution's suggested pattern.

Netanyahu maintained his established stance on Case 2000, emphasizing that Yediot Aharonot and Ynet stayed critical toward him, that Mozes wielded considerable sway in media and politics, and that the talks represented efforts to counter or mitigate proposed legislation targeting Israel Hayom rather than any improper deal.

This exchange followed several days of questioning by prosecutor Yonatan Tadmor focused on whether Netanyahu had conveyed an intention to advance or moderate the Israel Hayom legislation.

Netanyahu has rejected such suggestions, stating his opposition to the measure and his actions to halt it. He has previously explained that any softening attempts were fallback measures and that dissolving the Knesset ultimately blocked the bill's progress.

The session unfolded amid Netanyahu's continuing responsibilities as both defendant and prime minister. Prior to a midday recess, he referenced ongoing diplomatic engagements with multiple nations while discussing his timetable.

Plans called for him to depart briefly for the nearby Kirya military complex around 2 p.m., attend a call at 3 p.m., and conclude his attendance by 3:45 p.m., based on details shared during the hearing.

Netanyahu's official commitments have frequently influenced hearing schedules, leading to abbreviated or postponed sessions. The court continues to accommodate these duties while advancing a case that began in 2020, with his testimony starting in December 2024.

Once questioning by co-defendants' counsel concludes, Netanyahu's defense is set to perform a brief redirect examination.

Bezeq and Walla owners face charges alongside Netanyahu in Case 4000 involving bribery and related offenses

Netanyahu faces three separate cases. Case 1000 involves allegations of fraud and breach of trust tied to gifts from business figures. Case 2000 concerns the Mozes discussions and similar charges. Case 4000 alleges bribery, fraud, and breach of trust linked to regulatory favors for Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage on Walla.

Shaul and Iris Elovitch, former controlling shareholders of Bezeq and Walla, are co-defendants in Case 4000 and have denied the accusations.

Netanyahu has rejected every charge and characterized the proceedings as driven by political considerations. Mozes and the Elovitches likewise maintain their innocence.