Netanyahu Seeks to Delay Corruption Trial as Trump Calls for Charges to Be Dropped
Citing war with Iran and Gaza crisis, Israeli PM requests postponement of testimony; Trump urges cancellation of trial, triggering controversy in Israel.
Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday requested a postponement of his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, citing “regional and global developments.”
In a statement from Netanyahu’s legal team, referencing the recent Israel-Iran war, the request read:“In light of recent operations and other regional and international developments, the Prime Minister is compelled to devote all his time and efforts to managing critical national, diplomatic, and security affairs, including the war in Gaza and the hostage crisis.”
The statement, released by Netanyahu’s Likud Party, continued:“Given these exceptional circumstances, we respectfully request that the court cancel the hearings in which the Prime Minister is scheduled to testify over the next two weeks.”
Trump Sparks Uproar by Calling to Cancel Trial
Also on Thursday, Netanyahu thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly called for his trial to be canceled altogether.
Trump’s statement ignited intense political debate in Israel.
While Netanyahu’s supporters welcomed Trump’s remarks, opponents warned him against interfering in a domestic legal process.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:“The trial of Bibi Netanyahu should be canceled immediately, or he should be pardoned. He’s a great hero who has done so much for the country.”
He added:“The U.S. saved Israel, and now Israel must save Bibi. This mockery of justice cannot continue.”
Netanyahu reposted Trump’s statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, translated into Hebrew, writing:“Thank you, President Trump, for your powerful support for me and for Israel and the Jewish people.”
He continued:“We will continue working together to defeat our common enemies, free our hostages from Gaza, and expand the circle of peace.”
Legal Options and Presidential Pardon in Discussion
Netanyahu’s trial could potentially be halted if he reaches a plea bargain with the Attorney General, followed by a presidential pardon granted by President Isaac Herzog.
According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Herzog believes the trial should end with a plea deal, emphasizing that Israel is a sovereign democracy governed by the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
The report adds that, in light of Trump’s intervention, Herzog is urging both sides to engage in intensive dialogue, as recently recommended by the court.
When asked whether Trump’s stance would lead to U.S. sanctions on Israel’s judiciary, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee replied:“I support Trump’s statement and will let it stand on its own.”
Background on the Trial and Corruption Cases
Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which could result in prison time if convicted. He has been appearing in court twice a week for several months to respond to these charges.
The trial had been paused during the 12-day war with Iran and is set to resume Monday at the Jerusalem District Court.
The cases, filed in November 2019, involve three separate corruption files:
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Case 1000: Netanyahu and family members allegedly received expensive gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.
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Case 2000: Netanyahu is accused of negotiating with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes for favorable media coverage.
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Case 4000 (the most serious): Netanyahu allegedly granted regulatory favors to Shaul Elovitch, former owner of Walla News and telecom giant Bezeq, in exchange for positive press coverage.
The legal and political fate of Netanyahu remains at the center of Israel’s democratic tensions—now further complicated by foreign interference and wartime politics.
