Judges presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial have repeatedly signaled evidentiary weaknesses in the bribery allegation central to Case 4000, reiterating in June 2026—after completion of his cross-examination—that prosecutors should consider withdrawing the charge, consistent with their 2023 assessment. The trial, which began in 2020 and involves additional fraud and breach-of-trust counts across three cases, remains in the defense-witness phase with closing arguments and a verdict potentially years away. Proceedings accelerated to five hearing days per week in early October 2026 ahead of the presiding judge’s planned retirement, though remaining testimony including from former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit continues without resolution. Traders appear to view these procedural and evidentiary developments as significant barriers to any conviction.