Israeli Court Delays Netanyahu's Testimony Amid Political Pressure

An Israeli court has postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, a decision that aligns with a recent public endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for the case to be dismissed. The Jerusalem district court, responding to a request from Netanyahu's legal team, agreed to delay hearings originally scheduled for this week, citing the Prime Minister's pressing national security duties following a ceasefire with Iran and ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The court's ruling was made public on June 29, 2025, after Netanyahu's lawyers provided a schedule indicating the necessity for him to focus on critical political and security issues.

According to the Jerusalem district court's statement, "Following the explanations given, we partially accept the request and cancel at this stage Mr. Netanyahu's hearings scheduled for this week." Initially, the court had rejected the request, but upon reconsideration and after listening to arguments from Netanyahu and Israeli intelligence officials, the court changed its stance.

This postponement comes as the political landscape in Israel grows increasingly fraught. President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, expressed strong support for Netanyahu, stating that the United States would "not stand for" the prosecution of the Israeli leader, labeling the ongoing trial as a "witch hunt". Trump's comments have sparked controversy, leading Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid to criticize the U.S. President for interfering in what he described as an independent judicial process. Lapid stated, "Trump should not interfere in a judicial trial in an independent country."

Netanyahu's legal troubles date back to accusations of corruption, including allegations that he and his wife accepted luxury gifts worth over $260,000 from wealthy associates in exchange for political favors. The Prime Minister has maintained his innocence, dismissing the charges as politically motivated. His trial, which commenced in May 2020, has seen multiple delays, with Netanyahu's team consistently seeking more time to prepare their defense.

In recent weeks, Netanyahu's government has also faced significant backlash over proposed judicial reforms that critics argue are designed to undermine the judiciary's independence. These reforms have triggered widespread protests, which were temporarily subdued by the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in a recent interview, urged Netanyahu to resign, citing the increasing divisions within Israeli society and the long duration of his leadership as detrimental.

Bennett's remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some Israeli leaders and citizens who believe that Netanyahu's extended tenure since 2009 has contributed to a polarized political environment. As public opinion shifts, Bennett may be positioning himself for a potential political comeback, with polls suggesting he could garner enough support to challenge Netanyahu once again.

The implications of this ongoing legal and political saga are profound, not only for Netanyahu but also for the stability of his government and the broader Israeli political landscape. As the situation unfolds, the intersection of judicial proceedings, international political dynamics, and domestic governance will be closely watched both in Israel and around the world.