Testimony by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial was abruptly cancelled on Monday, just an hour before proceedings were scheduled to begin, according to Israeli media reports.
The cancellation was reportedly made on the grounds of unspecified “security reasons,” following a request by his legal counsel, Amit Hadad. The development was first reported by the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.
Monday’s session had been scheduled to resume after a prolonged pause in the trial, largely attributed to the recent war involving Iran, which disrupted court proceedings and other state activities.
Netanyahu is currently standing trial over allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three high-profile cases—commonly referred to as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Prosecutors formally filed indictments in November 2019, marking one of the most significant legal challenges faced by a sitting Israeli prime minister.
Case 4000, considered the most serious among the three, centers on claims that Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits to Shaul Elovitch, former owner of the Walla news website and a top executive at the Bezeq telecommunications company. In return, prosecutors allege that Netanyahu received favorable media coverage from the outlet.
The other cases involve allegations of receiving expensive gifts from wealthy individuals and attempting to negotiate positive coverage with media organizations.
Netanyahu has consistently denied all charges, maintaining that the cases against him are politically motivated. His legal team has also challenged aspects of the prosecution’s evidence and procedures throughout the trial.
The sudden cancellation of Monday’s testimony has raised questions about the impact of security considerations on the continuity of the proceedings, although no further details were provided regarding the nature of the threat cited.
In addition to the domestic legal battle, Netanyahu is also facing international scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The overlapping legal challenges—both within Israel and at the international level—have placed Netanyahu in an unprecedented position as a sitting leader navigating multiple high-stakes cases.
Observers note that the outcome of the corruption trial could have far-reaching implications for Israeli politics, governance, and public trust in state institutions. The repeated delays, including the latest cancellation, have also drawn attention to the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the case.
As of now, it remains unclear when the testimony will be rescheduled, as authorities have yet to provide further updates on the situation.
The case continues to be closely followed both domestically and internationally, given its political significance and potential impact on Israel’s leadership landscape.
