{"id":19443,"date":"2025-06-26T13:41:55","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T13:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/?p=19443"},"modified":"2025-06-26T13:41:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T13:41:55","slug":"netanyahu-seeks-to-delay-corruption-trial-as-trump-calls-for-charges-to-be-dropped","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/2025\/06\/26\/netanyahu-seeks-to-delay-corruption-trial-as-trump-calls-for-charges-to-be-dropped\/","title":{"rendered":"Netanyahu Seeks to Delay Corruption Trial as Trump Calls for Charges to Be Dropped"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watan<\/strong><\/em>-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday requested a postponement of his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, citing “regional and global developments.”<\/p>\n

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In a statement from Netanyahu\u2019s legal team, referencing the recent Israel-Iran war, the request read:\u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The statement, released by Netanyahu\u2019s Likud Party, continued:\u201cGiven 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trump Sparks Uproar by Calling to Cancel Trial<\/h3>\n

Also on Thursday, Netanyahu thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly called for his trial to be canceled altogether.<\/p>\n

Trump\u2019s statement ignited intense political debate in Israel.<\/p>\n

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Netanyahu corruption trial<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Netanyahu\u2019s supporters welcomed Trump\u2019s remarks, opponents warned him against interfering in a domestic legal process.<\/p>\n

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:\u201cThe trial of Bibi Netanyahu should be canceled immediately, or he should be pardoned. He\u2019s a great hero who has done so much for the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added:\u201cThe U.S. saved Israel, and now Israel must save Bibi. This mockery of justice cannot continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Netanyahu reposted Trump\u2019s statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, translated into Hebrew, writing:\u201cThank you, President Trump, for your powerful support for me and for Israel and the Jewish people.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued:\u201cWe will continue working together to defeat our common enemies, free our hostages from Gaza, and expand the circle of peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Legal Options and Presidential Pardon in Discussion<\/h3>\n

Netanyahu\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The report adds that, in light of Trump\u2019s intervention, Herzog is urging both sides to engage in intensive dialogue, as recently recommended by the court.<\/p>\n

When asked whether Trump\u2019s stance would lead to U.S. sanctions on Israel\u2019s judiciary, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee replied:\u201cI support Trump\u2019s statement and will let it stand on its own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Background on the Trial and Corruption Cases<\/h3>\n

Netanyahu<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The trial had been paused during the 12-day war with Iran and is set to resume Monday at the Jerusalem District Court.<\/p>\n

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Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The cases, filed in November 2019, involve three separate corruption <\/a>files:<\/p>\n