By M10News Middle East Desk | © M10News 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a two-week postponement of his long-running corruption trial, which began in May 2020, citing urgent diplomatic and national security responsibilities amid growing regional instability.
According to a court filing by Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, as reported by The Times of Israel, the prime minister must prioritise “diplomatic, national, and security issues” due to escalating “regional and global developments.” Hadad specifically referenced “managing the war in Gaza and addressing the ongoing hostage crisis.”
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, including allegations that he provided regulatory favours in exchange for favourable media coverage, along with receiving valuable gifts. He has consistently denied the accusations, calling the case a “witch hunt.”
The trial is scheduled to resume in Jerusalem on Monday, pending the court’s decision on the postponement request.
The appeal comes amid renewed political tension following an outspoken intervention by US President Donald Trump, who called for the charges to be dropped.
Posting on Truth Social, Mr. Trump labelled the proceedings a “witch hunt” and urged Israeli authorities to end the trial, declaring: “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu.”
Netanyahu quickly expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people.”
While Netanyahu’s right-wing political allies welcomed Trump’s remarks, opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, condemned the comments, warning against foreign interference in Israel’s judicial system and stressing the importance of upholding judicial independence.
The Jerusalem District Court has yet to announce whether it will approve the requested delay.
