The Jerusalem District Court has canceled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled criminal trial testimony for this week after a high-level classified briefing with Israel’s top intelligence officials, as reported by Times of Israel.
Why it matters:
- Netanyahu’s legal team cited “diplomatic, national, and security issues” following the recent war with Iran.
- The court canceled this week’s hearings but declined to rule yet on next week’s schedule.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by threatening to suspend American aid to Israel if the charges are not dropped.
Driving the news:
On Sunday, Netanyahu personally appeared before the judges, accompanied by IDF Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder and Mossad Director David Barnea, to urge a postponement of his testimony due to urgent national security priorities. The judges ruled in his favor for this week’s hearings, citing “significant additions and changes” in the newly presented justifications.
The court had previously rejected two separate requests from Netanyahu’s legal team, stating they lacked sufficient evidence. Those requests were filed Friday by attorney Amit Hadad, who argued that the prime minister’s involvement in urgent diplomatic and security matters necessitated a delay in court appearances.
Catch up quick:
- Netanyahu is currently on trial for fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases, and bribery in one of them.
- The trial began in 2020 and is projected to last until at least 2027, excluding appeals.
- According to public broadcaster Kan, officials told the court that Israel faces a strategic opportunity to reshape regional alliances, including possible peace talks involving Syria.
What they’re saying:
— Jerusalem District Court ruling, as quoted by Times of Israel
In their ruling, the judges encouraged Netanyahu’s defense to “make every effort” to replace the canceled testimony with a different defense witness to keep the trial moving forward.
Trump escalates pressure:
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to harshly criticize Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. Calling the proceedings a “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT,” Trump compared the Israeli leader’s situation to his own legal battles and accused prosecutors of interfering with sensitive Middle East peace efforts.
— President Donald Trump, via Truth Social
Trump further threatened to withhold U.S. financial and military aid to Israel unless the charges against Netanyahu are dismissed, declaring, “We are not going to stand for this.”
In response, Netanyahu reposted Trump’s remarks on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude: “Thank you again, @realDonaldTrump. Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again!”
What’s next:
The court has not yet ruled on whether next week’s hearings — which Netanyahu also seeks to cancel — will proceed. Judges stated they would consider a new request if one is filed in light of unfolding developments.
(With inputs from Times of Israel and public broadcaster Kan)