Tel Aviv, Israel – In a significant development in the corruption cases against the Israeli Prime Minister, the Israeli State Attorney’s Office approved Benjamin Netanyahu’s request on Sunday to cancel his scheduled testimony this week.
This approval came after Netanyahu submitted an urgent request to postpone the hearings. Netanyahu cited what he described as “exceptional and confidential security and political circumstances” that prevent him from appearing in court at this time.
Conditional approval and justifications “behind closed doors”
The prosecution explained in an official statement that it granted the request “in light of the security circumstances presented to it.” However, it limited this approval to only three hearings scheduled for this week.
The prosecution indicated that any additional requests pertaining to next week will be considered separately. Each request will be assessed based on the situation at the time. This reflects the prosecution’s desire not to give Netanyahu a “blank check” to indefinitely postpone the trial.
Last Friday, Netanyahu petitioned the Jerusalem District Court to postpone his testimony for at least two weeks.
His defense team, led by attorney Amit Haddad, cited “dramatic events” unfolding in Israel and the region. A sealed envelope containing highly confidential details was also delivered to the prosecution and court clerks. This was intended to justify the security concerns preventing the prime minister from focusing on the legal proceedings.
Attempts to reduce the number of sessions and a race against time
This postponement comes at a time when judges had emphasized last week the necessity of continuing the trial as usual, with three sessions per week. This was particularly relevant after the lifting of the state of emergency that coincided with the military escalation with Iran. Netanyahu’s defense team has long sought to reduce the frequency of the sessions to just two days a week. The defense team justifies this by citing Netanyahu’s preoccupation with managing the war effort and pressing political tasks.
Despite attempts to obstruct the proceedings, the court exceptionally allowed a third hearing to proceed, dedicated to hearing defense witnesses, alongside Netanyahu’s testimony. This was an attempt to expedite the stalled legal process. With Memorial Day and Independence Day approaching next week in Israel, observers believe Netanyahu is banking on time and the volatile security situation. His aim is to postpone a decision on the bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges that threaten his political future.
