In a sudden turn of events, hearings in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial were canceled by the Jerusalem District Court amid rising security concerns and diplomatic obligations, leaving much to the imagination about the complex interplay of state, security, and personal interests.
At a Glance
- The Jerusalem District Court has canceled one week of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial, citing security needs.
- The decision came after the court heard from the heads of the Mossad and IDF Intelligence in a closed-door session.
- The delay has been praised by President Donald Trump, who called the trial a “ridiculous witch hunt.”
- The intervention has sparked a political firestorm in Israel, with the opposition leader slamming the foreign interference.
Court Cancels Testimony Amid Security Concerns
The Jerusalem District Court on Sunday, June 29, 2025, agreed to cancel the upcoming week of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, citing urgent national security matters. The court’s decision came after it received a rare, closed-door briefing from Israel’s top security officials, including the heads of the Mossad spy agency and IDF Military Intelligence.
Netanyahu’s defense team had requested a two-week hiatus, arguing that the prime minister was needed for sensitive security and diplomatic efforts following the recent conflict with Iran. While the court rejected the full two-week request, it agreed to the one-week postponement, highlighting the immense challenge of prosecuting a sitting prime minister during a time of regional volatility.
Trump Wades into Israeli Legal Battle
The trial’s delay was quickly seized upon by President Donald Trump, who intervened in the Israeli legal process with a post on his Truth Social platform. He praised the delay and called for the entire case to be dropped, labeling it a “ridiculous witch hunt” and an “injustice.”
Trump’s statement was immediately welcomed by far-right members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich both amplified Trump’s message, with Ben Gvir stating, “President Trump is right. It’s time to stop this absurd political persecution,” according to Newsmax.
A Political Firestorm in Israel
The American intervention has sparked a political firestorm in Israel. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid blasted Trump for his comments, demanding he stay out of Israel’s internal affairs. “We have never interfered in American legal proceedings, and we expect the same from them,” Lapid said, as reported by The Times of Israel.
The public feud underscores the deep divisions within Israeli society over the trial, in which Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The incident places the Israeli judiciary in a difficult position as it attempts to balance the pursuit of justice with the demands of national security and navigate intense domestic and international political pressure.
