Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to court on Monday as his trial resumed following his surgery last month.

After a prolonged recess due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s illness, his corruption trial testimony began anew at the Tel Aviv District Court on Monday, with the prime minister dismissing testimonies of former aides about an alleged media bribery scheme as being fabricated through coercion.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed 15 months ago that Israel would achieve “total victory” in the war in Gaza — by eradicating Hamas and freeing all the hostages. One week into a ceasefire with the militant group,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the Tel Aviv District Court in his corruption trial after a month-long pause.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stand during his corruption trial Monday in Tel Aviv, defending himself against two aides after failing to get the hearing delayed.

Netanyahu’s attorney Amit Hadad told the court on Saturday night that Netanyahu’s medical documents stated that “it is recommended to avoid continuous activity for more than three hours without rest in the coming week, as well as to avoid long trips, sitting or standing for long periods.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu missed the ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz as he deals with legal woes at home and the threat of arrest abroad.

The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is due to start at 08:30 local time (06:30 GMT) on Sunday.

The problem for Netanyahu is Netanyahu. Consumed by the desire to stay in power, he has been wedged between overwhelming public demand for the hostages to be released, and those who keep him in power—his coalition partners.

Steve Witkoff helped negotiate the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. His visit to Gaza on Wednesday was the first by a senior U.S. official in more than a decade.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington as early as next week.

President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet with him at the White House on Feb. 4