An Israeli court has cancelled this week’s scheduled testimony by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, citing new security-related developments presented behind closed doors.
The Jerusalem District Court on Sunday announced the decision, following a private session attended by senior intelligence officials, including Mossad Director David Barnea and the army’s intelligence chief, Shlomi Binder.
“In light of the explanations provided, which included substantial additions and changes compared to the information presented for previous decisions, we partially grant the request and cancel at this stage Mr. Netanyahu’s testimony days scheduled for June 30 and July 2,” the judges said in their ruling.
Netanyahu had earlier requested a two-week delay in the hearings. However, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara rejected the plea, saying it lacked sufficient justification.
The court’s decision also comes amid repeated calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for Netanyahu’s trial to be cancelled altogether. Trump has described the proceedings as a “witch hunt” against the Israeli PM.
Netanyahu is facing serious charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases—known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000—dating back to his previous terms in office. He denies all allegations.
Case 1000 involves the receipt of lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen allegedly in exchange for political favours. Case 2000 centres on Netanyahu’s reported efforts to strike a deal with Arnon Mozes, publisher of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, to secure favourable media coverage. Case 4000, considered the most serious, alleges that Netanyahu promoted regulatory benefits for telecom giant Bezeq while receiving positive coverage from its news site, Walla.
The trial, which began on May 24, 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli leader has taken the stand as a criminal defendant.
In addition to domestic charges, Netanyahu also faces international investigation. In November 2024, he and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were the subject of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
According to local health authorities, more than 56,500 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been slain since October 7, 2023. Netanyahu is still in power and maintains his denial of any wrongdoing in the face of growing legal and international pressure.