Israeli Court Rejects Netanyahu’s Request to Delay Corruption Trial Testimony
Prime Minister cited national security concerns following conflict with Iran
- An Israeli court has rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request
- Netanyahu’s legal team submitted the request on Thursday
- Netanyahu has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence
An Israeli court has rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to postpone upcoming hearings in his ongoing corruption trial.
Netanyahu’s legal team submitted the request on Thursday, arguing that the prime minister should be excused from court appearances over the next two weeks so he could focus on national security matters in the aftermath of Israel’s recent 12-day conflict with Iran.
However, the Jerusalem District Court denied the motion, stating in a ruling published online that the request “in its current form does not provide a basis or detailed justification for the cancellation of the hearings.”
The long-running trial involves multiple charges. In one case, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of receiving more than $260,000 worth of luxury gifts—including cigars, jewellery, and champagne—from wealthy associates in exchange for political favors.
In two additional cases, the prime minister is alleged to have sought favorable media coverage from prominent Israeli outlets in return for regulatory benefits.
Netanyahu has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence, repeatedly claiming the charges are politically driven. His supporters have echoed that view, labeling the proceedings as a partisan attack.
On Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the case, calling it a “witch-hunt” and demanding that the trial be “CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY,” or that Netanyahu be granted a pardon, referring to him as a “Great Hero.”
