Israeli court rejects Netanyahu’s request to delay criminal trial
The prime minister’s lawyer had submitted a filing requesting a two-week hiatus, citing ‘security pressures’ following the war with Iran
The Jerusalem District Court rejected on 27 June Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a two-week delay of his criminal trial.
Israeli judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman said in a statement that the request, which was previously put forward by Netanyahu’s lawyer, “does not present a detailed basis or reason that might justify canceling evidentiary hearings.”
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli State Attorney’s office opposed the request and said the “general reasons detailed in the request cannot justify canceling two weeks of hearings, particularly in the run up to the recess.”
The State Attorney’s office added that it has already adjusted the schedule to accommodate the Israeli premier, including by allowing him to testify twice a week rather than three times a week.
“The prosecution, therefore, opposes the request,” it said.
The filing submitted by Netanyahu’s lawyer on 26 June said “the court is respectfully requested to order the cancellation of the hearings in which the prime minister was scheduled to testify in the coming two weeks,” adding that the premier was “compelled to devote all his time and energy to managing national, diplomatic and security issues of the utmost importance” following the 12-day war with Iran, which came to an end on 24 June.
After the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Netanyahu’s trial was put on hold before resuming in early December 2023.
The Israeli prime minister has been accused of and charged with fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in three separate cases filed in 2019. He faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
In one case, he and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting over $260,000 in luxury gifts, including cigars, jewelry, and champagne, from billionaire associates in exchange for political favors.
Two other cases accuse Netanyahu of manipulating media coverage in exchange for regulatory or commercial benefits.
The Jerusalem District Court and State Attorney’s rejection comes a day after US President Donald Trump called Netanyahu’s criminal case a “witch hunt” and said Washington will “save” the prime minister from prosecution.
The US president called for an immediate cancellation of the trial and a pardon for Netanyahu.
“Thank you, Donald Trump. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
According to sources in the ruling coalition cited by Israel’s Channel 11, Trump may ask Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon the premier.
Many, including Israelis opposed to the premier and his policies, have accused Netanyahu of seeking to prolong the war in Gaza in order to avoid trial and imprisonment.