Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a two-week suspension of his long-running corruption trial, citing pressing national and security matters following Israel’s recent conflict with Iran. The request has sparked immediate opposition from the Israeli prosecution, while U.S. President Donald Trump has made an unusual public call for the trial to be scrapped altogether.
Netanyahu Cites National Security Priorities
Netanyahu’s legal team, led by defense attorney Amit Hadad, submitted a formal request for a two-week pause in court proceedings. According to Hadad, the Prime Minister must now devote his full attention to top-priority national and diplomatic matters, particularly those emerging from the aftermath of the Iran conflict, which officially ended this past Tuesday.
Hadad specifically referenced the ongoing war in Gaza and the urgent issue of Israeli hostages as reasons for the requested adjournment.
Prosecution Pushes Back
In response, the prosecution has firmly rejected the request, arguing that the broad reasons provided do not justify a disruption of scheduled court sessions—especially with the court’s summer recess approaching.
Protesters participate in an installation as part of a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the court in Tel Aviv, Israel June 3, 2025. REUTERS/Nir Elias
Prosecutors emphasized that Netanyahu has already received accommodations, including a reduced court appearance schedule from three days to two per week, to account for his responsibilities as Prime Minister.
“The general reasons cited are insufficient to justify cancelling two weeks of hearings,” the prosecution stated, urging the court to deny the motion.
The matter now lies with the Jerusalem District Court, which must decide whether to grant the delay.
Trump Calls Trial a ‘Witch Hunt’
The legal motion came just hours after Donald Trump weighed in on the case, calling for its complete dismissal. In a public statement, the former U.S. President described the proceedings as a “witch hunt against the Great Prime Minister of Israel in a time of war.”
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo
Trump’s comments reflect his ongoing political alliance with Netanyahu and come amid reports of renewed strategic cooperation between the two figures on broader Middle East plans.
Netanyahu Faces Three Corruption Cases
Netanyahu is currently standing trial in three separate corruption cases, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies all wrongdoing, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated and the result of a conspiracy involving law enforcement and the prosecution.
The cases, some dating back years, have been a significant point of contention in Israeli politics and public discourse, intersecting with Netanyahu’s multiple terms in office and ongoing military crises.
As the court considers whether to halt proceedings temporarily, the legal, political, and international dimensions of the trial continue to intensify—now with the added involvement of former President Trump and the backdrop of persistent regional instability.
