Israeli Court Postpones Netanyahu's Appearance in Graft Trial Amid Political and International Scrutiny
Court Delay Follows Pressure from US President Donald Trump, National Security Concerns
An Israeli court has postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony in his corruption trial, responding to the prime minister's request for a delay amid heightened political tensions and international involvement.
The Jerusalem district court's decision comes after US President Donald Trump called for the case against Netanyahu to be dismissed, expressing support for the Israeli leader and criticizing the legal proceedings as a 'witch hunt.'The postponement was granted after Netanyahu's lawyers argued that the prime minister needed to focus on national security matters, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Iran and conflicts in Gaza where Israeli hostages are being held.
Initially, the court had rejected the request for a delay, but it reconsidered following discussions with key government officials, including the head of military intelligence and the chief of the Mossad spy agency.The involvement of Trump has added an international dimension to Netanyahu's legal battle.
Trump's call for the trial to be canceled or for Netanyahu to receive a pardon was met with criticism from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who emphasized that US President should not interfere in the judicial process of an independent country.Netanyahu and his wife Sara are accused of accepting over $260,000 worth of luxury goods from billionaires in exchange for political favors, while in two other cases, Netanyahu is charged with attempting to secure more favorable media coverage.
The prime minister has requested multiple delays since the trial began in May 2020, pointing to national security priorities and legal reforms that have sparked significant public protest and deepened societal divisions.Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who ousted Netanyahu in 2021, criticized Netanyahu's prolonged tenure in office, stating that it is 'not healthy' for Israel.
With speculation about a potential political comeback for Bennett, the ongoing power struggle within Israeli politics remains a focal point of national attention and international interest.
The Jerusalem district court's decision comes after US President Donald Trump called for the case against Netanyahu to be dismissed, expressing support for the Israeli leader and criticizing the legal proceedings as a 'witch hunt.'The postponement was granted after Netanyahu's lawyers argued that the prime minister needed to focus on national security matters, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Iran and conflicts in Gaza where Israeli hostages are being held.
Initially, the court had rejected the request for a delay, but it reconsidered following discussions with key government officials, including the head of military intelligence and the chief of the Mossad spy agency.The involvement of Trump has added an international dimension to Netanyahu's legal battle.
Trump's call for the trial to be canceled or for Netanyahu to receive a pardon was met with criticism from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who emphasized that US President should not interfere in the judicial process of an independent country.Netanyahu and his wife Sara are accused of accepting over $260,000 worth of luxury goods from billionaires in exchange for political favors, while in two other cases, Netanyahu is charged with attempting to secure more favorable media coverage.
The prime minister has requested multiple delays since the trial began in May 2020, pointing to national security priorities and legal reforms that have sparked significant public protest and deepened societal divisions.Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who ousted Netanyahu in 2021, criticized Netanyahu's prolonged tenure in office, stating that it is 'not healthy' for Israel.
With speculation about a potential political comeback for Bennett, the ongoing power struggle within Israeli politics remains a focal point of national attention and international interest.
