Israeli Court Delays Netanyahu Testimony Amid U.S. Pressure, Regional Tensions
An Israeli court has postponed PM Netanyahu’s corruption trial due to national security concerns. The move follows pressure from his legal team and U.S. President Trump, who called the case a “witch hunt” and warned it could disrupt ceasefire talks with Iran and Hamas.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — An Israeli court on Sunday postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, citing national security priorities in light of recent military developments and international diplomatic pressure. The decision came after Netanyahu’s legal team, reportedly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, requested a delay, arguing that the proceedings would interfere with sensitive security and diplomatic negotiations.
"Following the explanations given... we partially accept the request and cancel at this stage Mr Netanyahu's hearings scheduled" for this week, read the official ruling from the Jerusalem District Court, as published online by Netanyahu’s Likud party.
Netanyahu's defense attorneys stated that the Prime Minister needed time to manage critical negotiations, including ceasefire talks with Iran and hostage release efforts with Hamas in Gaza. Trump weighed in on the matter via his Truth Social platform, defending Netanyahu and blasting the legal proceedings as politically motivated.
“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump wrote. “He is a War Hero, and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring Great Success in getting rid of the dangerous Nuclear threat in Iran.”
The U.S. president also criticized the nature of the charges against Netanyahu, stating, “How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a Courtroom all day long, over NOTHING (Cigars, Bugs Bunny Doll, etc.)?” Trump warned that the proceedings could derail diplomatic efforts: “This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations.”
Netanyahu is on trial in Jerusalem facing multiple charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — allegations he has consistently denied, calling them a politically motivated attempt to remove him from office.
Comparing Netanyahu’s legal battle to his own, Trump added, “It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure.” He also questioned the future of U.S. aid to Israel, writing, “We are not going to stand for this,” and concluded with the appeal, “LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!”
The controversy comes as Netanyahu’s government grapples with ongoing military operations in Gaza and escalating tensions with Iran. According to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to the Associated Press, the Trump administration recently rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The White House feared such an act would escalate the conflict and destabilize the region further.
During an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu did not confirm the existence of such a plan but said, “I think that we do what we need to do, we’ll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States.” Netanyahu’s spokesperson later called the reports “fake.”
In the same interview, Netanyahu said that regime change in Iran “could certainly be the result” of the conflict, describing the Iranian regime as “very weak.”
Meanwhile, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, saying that while the U.S. had “nothing to do with the attack on Iran,” any retaliatory action would be met with overwhelming force. “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” he said.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump expressed optimism about a peaceful resolution. “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal,” he posted, suggesting ongoing backchannel diplomacy. Departing for the G7 summit in Canada, Trump stated, “I hope there is going to be a deal, and we’ll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out.”
The international fallout from the Israeli-Iranian conflict is expected to dominate discussions at the G7 summit, where Trump plans to highlight his record in de-escalating global conflicts, referencing his past mediation efforts between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia.
Trump concluded his social media statements with a promise of renewed diplomacy in the Middle East: “Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”
Domestically, Trump’s intervention has sparked debate among Republicans. Some, like Sen. Rand Paul, praised Trump’s restraint, warning against deeper entanglement in foreign conflicts. Others, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, expressed support for stronger action, stating, “If that means providing bombs, provide bombs. If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.”
Kurdistan 24 will continue to monitor developments in Netanyahu’s legal proceedings, U.S.-Israeli relations, and the broader regional crisis.
