The criminal trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been suspended for the week due to security concerns.
The criminal trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been suspended for the week due to security concerns, with uncertainty surrounding future hearings. Jerusalem District Court Judges cited input from top intelligence officials, including IDF Intelligence Chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder and Mossad head David Barnea, after a closed-door meeting. Netanyahu, indicted in 2020 and pleading not guilty to three corruption cases, is currently in the cross-examination phase of the trial.
Following Israel’s June 13 strike on Iran, the courts entered emergency mode. Though a ceasefire has since been declared, Netanyahu’s defense requested a pause to focus on Gaza and hostage issues. The court initially declined, saying his schedule allowed proceedings to continue.
Surprisingly, Netanyahu visited the Jerusalem court, having previously preferred Tel Aviv for security. U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in again, urging, “Let Bibi go,” a rare instance of foreign commentary on a domestic legal case that sparked further public debate.