An Israeli court on Friday turned down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appeal to delay his court testimony in an ongoing corruption trial, despite United States President Donald Trump publicly urging for the case to be dropped.
Netanyahu’s legal team had filed a request on Thursday seeking a two-week reprieve from attending hearings, citing his need to focus on national security following the recent 12-day conflict with Iran.
However, the Jerusalem district court dismissed the request, stating in an online ruling that “in its current form (his request) does not provide a basis or detailed justification for the cancellation of the hearings.”
Just a day prior, Trump weighed in on the matter, denouncing the legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a “witch hunt” and declaring that the trial “should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero.”
Netanyahu has publicly expressed gratitude to Trump for backing Israel during the brief military clash with Iran, which concluded with a ceasefire on June 24.
The Israeli leader maintains his innocence, while his allies claim the trial is driven by political motives.
The charges span three separate cases. In one, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, allegedly received lavish gifts, cigars, jewelry, and champagne, worth over $260,000 from wealthy associates in return for political favours.
The other two cases accuse him of seeking improved media coverage from two Israeli news outlets in exchange for regulatory benefits.
Since returning to power in late 2022, Netanyahu’s government has pushed for sweeping judicial reforms, which critics argue aim to undermine the independence of the courts.
This is not the first time Netanyahu has attempted to postpone the trial since it began in May 2020, having previously cited various regional conflicts, including the 2023 Gaza war, tensions in Lebanon, and most recently, the military escalation with Iran, as justification.
