Israeli Court Denies Netanyahu’s Request to Delay Testimony in Corruption Trial
On Wednesday, an Israeli court dismissed a new plea from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone his testimony in an ongoing corruption trial, insisting that he must take the stand next month. This ruling comes at a time when the nation is grappling with conflict in both Gaza and Lebanon.
The situation of a sitting prime minister defending himself against serious corruption allegations is expected to deepen the existing divisions among Israelis. Netanyahu’s legal challenges have long been a source of contention, with his supporters claiming that a biased judicial system is attempting to oust him after failing to defeat him at the polls. Conversely, his opponents have intensified calls for his resignation, with some accusing him of prolonging the ongoing violence and the trial as a strategy to maintain his grip on power and avoid imprisonment.
Netanyahu is facing multiple charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, stemming from three distinct but interconnected cases that are being heard simultaneously at the Jerusalem District Court. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, with the allegations centering around claims that he provided favors to wealthy tycoons in exchange for gifts and favorable media coverage for himself and his family. The trial has been protracted since its inception in 2020, as the court navigates through a lengthy list of over 300 witnesses.
The court has mandated that Netanyahu must testify on December 2, following a previous delay of his testimony. On Wednesday, the court swiftly rejected another request from Netanyahu, submitted late on Sunday, which sought to further postpone his appearance by an additional 10 weeks.
In his arguments, Netanyahu claimed that the demands of wartime leadership have hindered his ability to adequately prepare a defense. However, he has maintained a stance that he can effectively manage both his responsibilities as prime minister and his obligations in court simultaneously.
