Israeli Court Cancels Netanyahu’s Testimony in Corruption Trial This Week

The Jerusalem District Court has canceled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in his corruption trial this week, following a closed-door hearing. The decision comes amid pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for the trial to be canceled, labeling it a “witch hunt.”

Reported by a reporter from Kokcha News Agency, the Jerusalem District Court on Sunday canceled the hearings for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, which were set for June 30 and July 2. The court’s decision followed a closed-door hearing attended by Israeli army intelligence chief Shlomi Binder and Mossad Director David Barnea.

Netanyahu had requested a two-week postponement of his trial sessions, but Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara rejected the request, citing a lack of justification. However, the court partially granted Netanyahu’s request, canceling this week’s hearings.

The court’s decision comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly called for Netanyahu’s trial to be canceled, describing it as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Netanyahu faces serious charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which could lead to imprisonment if proven.

Netanyahu’s trial, which began on May 24, 2020, is historic as he is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges. The trial revolves around three major cases:
– Case 1000: Allegations that Netanyahu and his family received expensive gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for favors.
– Case 2000: Claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of *Yedioth Ahronoth*, for favorable media coverage.
– Case 4000: The most serious case, involving allegations that Netanyahu provided regulatory benefits to Shaul Elovitch, the former owner of the news site *Walla* and telecommunications company *Bezeq*, in return for positive media coverage.

In addition to the corruption charges, Netanyahu faces accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged atrocities in Gaza, where over 56,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 7, 2023.