Tel Aviv court cancels Netanyahu’s Wednesday hearing over “security” reasons

• Netanyahu continues to face multiple corruption charges while his trial, including cross-examination, is expected to continue into 2027.

A hearing for 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his criminal trial, scheduled for Wednesday, was canceled by the Jerusalem District Court on Monday due to a “security reason.”

Netanyahu’s lawyers requested the cancellation and submitted an envelope regarding the matter to the court, where he has been testifying since late last year, Channel 12 reported. After reviewing the contents, Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman agreed to cancel the session.

The document was also shown to the prosecution, which did not object to the judge’s decision. The specific reason for the requested cancellation has not been made public.

Trial developments

The request is the latest in a series of changes Netanyahu’s defense team has sought in recent weeks. He has previously asked to shorten hearings due to state affairs or health concerns.

Netanyahu is currently on trial in three separate corruption cases, making him the first sitting prime minister in 'Israel' to face criminal charges. He faces fraud and breach of trust charges in Case 1000 and Case 2000, and bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges in Case 4000. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated.

Over the past month, his team requested reducing the number of weekly hearings from four to three, citing the workload of Netanyahu and his attorneys, but the court denied the request. Judges increased the number of hearings to accelerate the trial, where cross-examination began in June and Netanyahu’s testimony is expected to continue into next April. The trial may extend into 2027.

Despite the court’s decision, Channel 12 reported that in recent weeks, Netanyahu has not testified three times per week due to various postponements and constraints.

US President Donald Trump has criticized Netanyahu’s prosecution on several occasions, most recently sending a letter to President Isaac Herzog requesting that Netanyahu be granted a pardon. Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump for the letter but said he will not seek a pardon if it requires admitting guilt.

“It hurts both American and Israeli interests, which is also what [Trump] said,” Netanyahu said. “My time has to be free to pursue the things that will determine Israel’s future and the future of peace in the Middle East.”