Israeli Court Rejects Netanyahu's Request to Delay Corruption Testimony for Second Time

In a significant judicial rebuke, the Jerusalem District Court on Friday rejected, for the second time in one day, a request by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, despite his claims of being occupied with urgent national matters.

According to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu submitted a confidential envelope earlier in the day containing what he described as a “high-level diplomatic, security, and national agenda,” in a bid to justify his absence from next week's hearings. However, the three-judge panel ruled that the contents of the envelope “did not contain extraordinary details that justify postponement.”

The court's firm stance underscores its intent to move forward with the “Case 1000 series” — the umbrella term for multiple corruption cases involving the prime minister — after a nearly three-week hiatus in proceedings. Hearings are set to resume this Monday, where Netanyahu is expected to take the stand.

National Duties vs. Judicial Process

Netanyahu, who remains Israel’s longest-serving prime minister and one of its most polarizing political figures, cited “top-priority national responsibilities” in his plea for a two-week deferral. The court, however, appeared unconvinced, emphasizing the importance of judicial consistency and the need to prevent indefinite delays.

This is not the first time Netanyahu has sought postponements on the grounds of official obligations. But the dual rejection within a single day signals the court’s growing impatience with what critics say are stalling tactics aimed at prolonging a trial that has already dragged on for years.

The prime minister faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three major cases. Prosecutors allege he accepted lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen and offered regulatory favors in exchange for favorable media coverage — charges Netanyahu has consistently denied, calling the trials a politically motivated “witch hunt.”

Political and Legal Crossroads

The legal proceedings continue to run parallel to Netanyahu’s efforts to navigate an increasingly complex regional and domestic political landscape. His government faces mounting international scrutiny over the situation in Gaza and domestic unrest over judicial reforms and economic grievances.

Observers say the outcome of the corruption trial — and Netanyahu’s own testimony — could have significant implications for both his political future and the integrity of Israel’s legal system.

Despite the court's ruling, Netanyahu’s legal team is expected to continue pressing for flexibility, possibly citing evolving security developments or diplomatic engagements. For now, however, the message from the bench is clear: the trial will proceed, and so must the prime minister’s long-awaited appearance in court.