Newsletters
A scheduled hearing in the criminal trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday was postponed due to “security-diplomatic reasons,” delaying his return to the witness stand, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post late Sunday.
Judges at the Jerusalem District Court decided to hear another defense witness instead, making Netanyahu’s return to testimony unlikely before next week, the report said.
The decision followed a request by the defense to cancel Netanyahu’s appearance, citing unspecified “security-diplomatic reasons” outlined in sealed materials submitted to both the court and the prosecution.
Prosecutors opposed the move, arguing that unless there are urgent and unavoidable security needs, Netanyahu should align his schedule with the court’s calendar.
They also stressed the public interest in advancing the trial, particularly completing his cross-examination, according to the report.
The case remains in the cross-examination phase of Netanyahu’s testimony. He first took the stand in December 2024, with prosecutors beginning cross-examination in June 2025 after 36 defense-led sessions.
The trial has largely focused on Case 4000, which centers on allegations that Netanyahu provided regulatory favors in exchange for favorable media coverage, claims he denies.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three cases known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Prosecutors filed indictments in November 2019.
Case 4000 involves allegations that Netanyahu advanced regulatory decisions benefiting Shaul Elovitch, former owner of the Walla news website and a former executive at the Bezeq telecommunications company, in return for positive coverage.
In a separate development, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant in November 2024 for Netanyahu on accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
