Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to take the stand in his criminal trial Monday (Apr 27) for the first time in roughly six weeks. However, less than two hours before it was due to start, the hearing was called off. Why? His attorney called the court's chief secretary and requested a cancellation, citing the prime minister's "security schedule." Here's all we know.<h2>Why was Netanyahu's testimony cancelled?</h2>In what was the latest postponement in a long string of delays, Israeli PM's testimony was put off indefinitely at the request of his lawyer, Amit Hadad. According to reports, Netanyahu's defence cited his "security schedule". However, the Israeli PM's defence team did not elaborate and instead said that further details would be provided to the court and the prosecution in a sealed submission. Notably, later in the day, Netanyahu attended a security briefing.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-s-corruption-trial-to-resume-as-israel-lifts-war-emergency-iran-weighs-in-on-dumb-us-letting-him-kill-diplomacy-1775782561246">Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume as Israel lifts war emergency — Iran weighs in on 'dumb' US 'letting him kill diplomacy'</a><h2>What was the hearing about?</h2>The hearing was in connection with a case that has been stuck in Israel's court system since 2020. Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, and his testimony, now underway but repeatedly stalled, has become one of the more drawn-out legal dramas in the country's history.The trial encompasses three separate cases, each involving a different alleged arrangement between Netanyahu and powerful figures in Israeli business and media.Case 1000 centres on gifts, cigars, champagne and other expensive items, he allegedly received from wealthy businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer, in exchange for actions Netanyahu allegedly took to benefit Milchan. He is charged with fraud and breach of trust.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-weird-stuff-happens-us-navy-sailor-headed-to-strait-of-hormuz-for-trump-s-minesweeping-mission-attacked-by-monkey-1777009414675">'Weird stuff happens': Monkey temporarily derails Trump's 'shoot and kill' mission in Strait of Hormuz</a>Case 2000 involves recorded conversations between Netanyahu and Arnon "Noni" Mozes, publisher of Yediot Aharonot, in which prosecutors say the two men discussed a potential arrangement: favourable coverage of Netanyahu in exchange for steps that would weaken the rival newspaper Israel Hayom. In this case, Netanyahu faces fraud and breach of trust charges; Mozes faces bribery.Case 4000, known as the Bezeq-Walla affair, is the most serious. Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulatory decisions that benefited Shaul Elovitch, then the controlling shareholder of telecom giant Bezeq, in exchange for favourable coverage on the Walla news site that Elovitch controlled. Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud and breach of trust in this case.He has denied wrongdoing across all three, arguing the gifts were between friends, the Mozes conversations amounted to nothing criminal, and that no quid pro quo existed in the Walla matter.

Why did Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-awaited court testimony suddenly get cancelled at the last minute? What happened, and what are the cases really about? Scroll down to find out.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to take the stand in his criminal trial Monday (Apr 27) for the first time in roughly six weeks. However, less than two hours before it was due to start, the hearing was called off. Why? His attorney called the court's chief secretary and requested a cancellation, citing the prime minister's "security schedule." Here's all we know. Why was Netanyahu's testimony cancelled? In what was the latest postponement in a long string of delays, Israeli PM's testimony was put off indefinitely at the request of his lawyer, Amit Hadad. According to reports, Netanyahu's defence cited his "security schedule". However, the Israeli PM's defence team did not elaborate and instead said that further details would be provided to the court and the prosecution in a sealed submission. Notably, later in the day, Netanyahu attended a security briefing. Also read | Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume as Israel lifts war emergency — Iran weighs in on 'dumb' US 'letting him kill diplomacy' What was the hearing about? The hearing was in connection with a case that has been stuck in Israel's court system since 2020. Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, and his testimony, now underway but repeatedly stalled, has become one of the more drawn-out legal dramas in the country's history. The trial encompasses three separate cases, each involving a different alleged arrangement between Netanyahu and powerful figures in Israeli business and media. Case 1000 centres on gifts, cigars, champagne and other expensive items, he allegedly received from wealthy businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer, in exchange for actions Netanyahu allegedly took to benefit Milchan. He is charged with fraud and breach of trust. Also read | 'Weird stuff happens': Monkey temporarily derails Trump's 'shoot and kill' mission in Strait of Hormuz Case 2000 involves recorded conversations between Netanyahu and Arnon "Noni" Mozes, publisher of Yediot Aharonot, in which prosecutors say the two men discussed a potential arrangement: favourable coverage of Netanyahu in exchange for steps that would weaken the rival newspaper Israel Hayom. In this case, Netanyahu faces fraud and breach of trust charges; Mozes faces bribery. Case 4000, known as the Bezeq-Walla affair, is the most serious. Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulatory decisions that benefited Shaul Elovitch, then the controlling shareholder of telecom giant Bezeq, in exchange for favourable coverage on the Walla news site that Elovitch controlled. Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud and breach of trust in this case. He has denied wrongdoing across all three, arguing the gifts were between friends, the Mozes conversations amounted to nothing criminal, and that no quid pro quo existed in the Walla matter.

Why did Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-awaited court testimony suddenly get cancelled at the last minute? What happened, and what are the cases really about? Scroll down to find out.

Netanyahu corruption trial testimony cancelled indefinitely; THIS is the secret security threat that halted the court hearing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial will resume this Sunday (Apr 12), an Israeli court spokesperson confirmed Thursday (Apr 9), just hours after Israel lifted the state of emergency it had imposed during the war with Iran. The emergency declaration, which had shuttered schools and workplaces across the country, was lifted Wednesday evening following a ceasefire agreement. No incoming Iranian missiles had been reported since 3 AM local time. Iran, meanwhile, has weighed in on the imminent trial resumption, with Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, posting on X, "If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice".<h2>Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume on THIS day</h2>In a statement, Israeli courts noted that "with the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of the judicial system to work, hearings will resume as usual." The proceedings, according to the statement, would run Sunday through Wednesday.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/artemis-ii-astronauts-stuck-pooping-in-special-bags-after-23-million-toilet-gets-clogged-1775713143337">Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged</a><h2>Netanyahu starting wars to escape justice?</h2>Benjamin Netanyahu, aka Bibi, happens to be the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The case was filed in 2019 after years of investigation, and the trial began in 2020. Since then, the corruption trial has been repeatedly postponed due to his official duties, including the wars his country is engaged in, with Hamas in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon. No end date is in sight, and the possibility of a jail term hangs over everything.<h2>Trump's pardon push</h2>Previously, US President Donald Trump added his voice to calls for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, arguing that frequent court appearances compromise his ability to govern. Herzog's office said the justice ministry's pardons department would follow standard procedure, gathering opinions and submitting them to the president's legal adviser for a formal recommendation. Notably, pardons issued mid-trial are rare.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-ghost-murmur-how-the-cia-used-secret-futuristic-tech-to-rescue-downed-us-f-15e-pilot-dude-44-bravo-amid-iran-war-1775647718461">'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war</a>The legal cloud over Netanyahu comes at a politically precarious moment. Israel is due to hold elections in October, and Netanyahu's coalition, the most right-wing in the country's history, is widely expected to lose. The October 2023 Hamas attacks and the wars they triggered have significantly eroded his public standing.<h2>Iran prepared for 'dumb' US to back Netanyahu</h2>Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, made his own views on the matter pointedly clear. Posting on social media Thursday, he wrote that a region-wide ceasefire, including in Lebanon, would "hasten his jailing." He also took aim at Washington directly, warning that if the US allowed Netanyahu to "kill diplomacy," it would be "cratering its own economy." He added, with notable bluntness: "We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Netanyahu&#39;s criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing. If the U S. wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it.&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2042279419197190201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu heading back to court as war pauses. With the emergency lifted, his corruption trial resumes, reviving legal pressure even as political tensions remain high. Iran reacts.

Scroll down to read more.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial will resume this Sunday (Apr 12), an Israeli court spokesperson confirmed Thursday (Apr 9), just hours after Israel lifted the state of emergency it had imposed during the war with Iran. The emergency declaration, which had shuttered schools and workplaces across the country, was lifted Wednesday evening following a ceasefire agreement. No incoming Iranian missiles had been reported since 3 AM local time. Iran, meanwhile, has weighed in on the imminent trial resumption, with Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, posting on X, "If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice". Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume on THIS day In a statement, Israeli courts noted that "with the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of the judicial system to work, hearings will resume as usual." The proceedings, according to the statement, would run Sunday through Wednesday. Also read | Artemis II: Astronauts stuck using 'special bags' as $23 million toilet gets clogged Netanyahu starting wars to escape justice? Benjamin Netanyahu, aka Bibi, happens to be the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The case was filed in 2019 after years of investigation, and the trial began in 2020. Since then, the corruption trial has been repeatedly postponed due to his official duties, including the wars his country is engaged in, with Hamas in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon. No end date is in sight, and the possibility of a jail term hangs over everything. Trump's pardon push Previously, US President Donald Trump added his voice to calls for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, arguing that frequent court appearances compromise his ability to govern. Herzog's office said the justice ministry's pardons department would follow standard procedure, gathering opinions and submitting them to the president's legal adviser for a formal recommendation. Notably, pardons issued mid-trial are rare. Also read | 'Ghost Murmur': How the CIA used secret futuristic tech to rescue downed US F-15E pilot 'Dude 44 Bravo' amid Iran war The legal cloud over Netanyahu comes at a politically precarious moment. Israel is due to hold elections in October, and Netanyahu's coalition, the most right-wing in the country's history, is widely expected to lose. The October 2023 Hamas attacks and the wars they triggered have significantly eroded his public standing. Iran prepared for 'dumb' US to back Netanyahu Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, made his own views on the matter pointedly clear. Posting on social media Thursday, he wrote that a region-wide ceasefire, including in Lebanon, would "hasten his jailing." He also took aim at Washington directly, warning that if the US allowed Netanyahu to "kill diplomacy," it would be "cratering its own economy." He added, with notable bluntness: "We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it."

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu heading back to court as war pauses. With the emergency lifted, his corruption trial resumes, reviving legal pressure even as political tensions remain high. Iran reacts.Scroll down to read more.

Netanyahu's corruption trial to resume as Israel lifts war emergency — Iran weighs in on 'dumb' US 'letting him kill diplomacy'

Israeli President Issac Herzog has said that he is not ruling out a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even before he is convicted. President Herzog's office responded to the letter from US President Donald Trump, urging that a "formal request" is required for the Presidential pardon.&nbsp;In a statement, President Herzog's office said, “Anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures”. Israel's Internal Affairs Ministry, on its own, can not promote the move, even if the US continue to interfere.According to reports from Israeli news outlet Haaretz, President Issac Herzog discussed with the families of Hostages about pardoning Netanyahu in late October. The report claimed that he asked the families of hostages to publicly promote the idea. Herzog's office also tried to bring the Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara on the same issue."I did tell the attorney general – and I'm sorry that it got out [in the media] – that because the court had, to the best of my knowledge, recommended four times at that point that the parties consider mediation, it might be worth exploring this option. The attorney general explained her position, and that was the end of it," said Hezog last April.&nbsp;Reports by Israeli media speculate that Herzog was elected as President in 2021, in exchange for a pardon to Netanyahu. A claim that has been categorically denied by the President.&nbsp;“I'm not Netanyahu's servant, I wasn't elected because of him, and I have no 'understandings' with him. I confront him quite a lot,” said Herzog in an interview.<h2>Netanyahu Corruption Trial&nbsp;</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial for three corruption cases brought against him; these include bribery, receiving valuable gifts from businessman Arnon Milchan. In another case, Netanyahu, then Minister of Communications accused of crony capitalism, forming a collusion with Arnon Mozes, the chairman and editor of Yedioth Ahronoth, one of the largest newspapers in Israel, to harm Israel Hayom, another Hebrew language daily. In another case, Netanyahu promised favours to media conglomerate Shaul Elovitch, the owner of Bezeq, in exchange for favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his family by Elovitch's news website, Walla. Netanyahu had been formally indicted on November 21, 2019, compelling him to relinquish all his ministry portfolios other than that of Prime Minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Isaac Herzog says he’s not ruling out a pardon for PM Benjamin Netanyahu, even before conviction. In response to the US President Donald Trump's letter, Herzog urged following established procedures for a presidential pardon.

Israeli President Issac Herzog has said that he is not ruling out a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even before he is convicted. President Herzog's office responded to the letter from US President Donald Trump, urging that a "formal request" is required for the Presidential pardon. In a statement, President Herzog's office said, “Anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures”. Israel's Internal Affairs Ministry, on its own, can not promote the move, even if the US continue to interfere. According to reports from Israeli news outlet Haaretz, President Issac Herzog discussed with the families of Hostages about pardoning Netanyahu in late October. The report claimed that he asked the families of hostages to publicly promote the idea. Herzog's office also tried to bring the Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara on the same issue. "I did tell the attorney general – and I'm sorry that it got out [in the media] – that because the court had, to the best of my knowledge, recommended four times at that point that the parties consider mediation, it might be worth exploring this option. The attorney general explained her position, and that was the end of it," said Hezog last April. Reports by Israeli media speculate that Herzog was elected as President in 2021, in exchange for a pardon to Netanyahu. A claim that has been categorically denied by the President. “I'm not Netanyahu's servant, I wasn't elected because of him, and I have no 'understandings' with him. I confront him quite a lot,” said Herzog in an interview. Netanyahu Corruption Trial Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial for three corruption cases brought against him; these include bribery, receiving valuable gifts from businessman Arnon Milchan. In another case, Netanyahu, then Minister of Communications accused of crony capitalism, forming a collusion with Arnon Mozes, the chairman and editor of Yedioth Ahronoth, one of the largest newspapers in Israel, to harm Israel Hayom, another Hebrew language daily. In another case, Netanyahu promised favours to media conglomerate Shaul Elovitch, the owner of Bezeq, in exchange for favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his family by Elovitch's news website, Walla. Netanyahu had been formally indicted on November 21, 2019, compelling him to relinquish all his ministry portfolios other than that of Prime Minister.

President Isaac Herzog says he’s not ruling out a pardon for PM Benjamin Netanyahu, even before conviction. In response to the US President Donald Trump's letter, Herzog urged following established procedures for a presidential pardon.

Netanyahu corruption trial- A 'formal request' is required for Presidential pardon

US President Donald Trump has shared an article on Truth Social about the postponement of the trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just hours after he demanded that the proceedings should end. Earlier on Sunday, the Jerusalem District Court agreed to cancel Netanyahu’s scheduled days of testimony in his criminal trial for this week, after Netanyahu appeared before the judges in a closed-door hearing to lay out the reasons the hearings must be put off, and not due to Trump’s demand. The Jerusalem District Court agreed to postpone Israeli PM’s corruption trial—just hours after Trump called for the case to be dropped while suggesting that American aid could hang in the balance over the decision.The court revealed Sunday that Netanyahu will not have to testify for the next two weeks due to diplomatic and national security issues, two days after the judge initially rejected the premier’s repeated requests to postpone the trial, and Trump promptly jumped in to claim credit.&nbsp;Trump had slammed the corruption trial against Netanyahu as a “political witch hunt” and called on Israel to drop the corruption charges.&nbsp;“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 United States of America spends Billions of Dollar a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,” he warned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump also said that keeping Netanyahu occupied with the trial would hinder the efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.“Thank you again, @realDonaldTrump. Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again!” Netanyahu replied.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you again, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again! <a href="https://t.co/hfkct0Sqw7">https://t.co/hfkct0Sqw7</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1939225607658704916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A White House official said Trump made the personal decision to back the embattled prime minister during the ride back from the NATO summit last week, Axios reported.The leader of the opposition Democrats party, Yair Golan, said prolonging the war in Gaza personally benefits Netanyahu, who has set a goal of fighting until the terror group is completely eliminated without any timeline.“Trump’s proposal proves: The hostages are held by Hamas, but they are captive to Netanyahu’s interests,” Golan wrote on X.&nbsp;Netanyahu stands accused of accepting more than $200,000 from wealthy businessmen and granting regulatory benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars to a telecom owner in exchange for favourable news coverage.Netanyahu claims that the charges are fabricated and part of a political coup, with his allies slamming the case as “judicial overreach.”

The Jerusalem District Court agreed to postpone Israeli PM’s corruption trial—just hours after Trump called for the case to be dropped while suggesting that American aid could hang in the balance over the decision.

US President Donald Trump has shared an article on Truth Social about the postponement of the trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just hours after he demanded that the proceedings should end. Earlier on Sunday, the Jerusalem District Court agreed to cancel Netanyahu’s scheduled days of testimony in his criminal trial for this week, after Netanyahu appeared before the judges in a closed-door hearing to lay out the reasons the hearings must be put off, and not due to Trump’s demand. The Jerusalem District Court agreed to postpone Israeli PM’s corruption trial—just hours after Trump called for the case to be dropped while suggesting that American aid could hang in the balance over the decision. The court revealed Sunday that Netanyahu will not have to testify for the next two weeks due to diplomatic and national security issues, two days after the judge initially rejected the premier’s repeated requests to postpone the trial, and Trump promptly jumped in to claim credit. Trump had slammed the corruption trial against Netanyahu as a “political witch hunt” and called on Israel to drop the corruption charges. “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 United States of America spends Billions of Dollar a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,” he warned.

The Jerusalem District Court agreed to postpone Israeli PM’s corruption trial—just hours after Trump called for the case to be dropped while suggesting that American aid could hang in the balance over the decision.

Trump posts article on Israeli court deferring Netanyahu’s trial hours after his call for dropping case

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (June 29) once again slammed Israeli prosecutors over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial, calling it a "political witch hunt." In a post on Truth Social, Trump stressed that it is "terrible" what they are doing to Netanyahu.Calling Netanyahu a "War Hero", Trump said that Netanyahu is 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.He further hinted that Netanyahu is right now in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, which will include getting the hostages back."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.). It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure. This travesty of “Justice” will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations," Trump wrote.He continued to slam the prosecutors, calling it "INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu."The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year, far more than on any other nation, protecting and supporting Israel, he said."We are not going to stand for this. We just had a Great Victory with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the helm — And this greatly tarnishes our Victory. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!," Trump said.Just days after the Israel-Iran war ended, Trump in another post wrote that Bibi and he just went through hell together, fighting a "very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran."He stressed that this is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has ever been on trial, a "politically motivated case, “concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges” in order to do him great harm. ""Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State," he said.&nbsp;

Calling Netanyahu a "War Hero", Trump said that Netanyahu is 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.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (June 29) once again slammed Israeli prosecutors over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial, calling it a "political witch hunt." In a post on Truth Social, Trump stressed that it is "terrible" what they are doing to Netanyahu. Calling Netanyahu a "War Hero", Trump said that Netanyahu is 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. He further hinted that Netanyahu is right now in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, which will include getting the hostages back. "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.). It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure. This travesty of “Justice” will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations," Trump wrote. He continued to slam the prosecutors, calling it "INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu." The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year, far more than on any other nation, protecting and supporting Israel, he said. "We are not going to stand for this. We just had a Great Victory with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the helm — And this greatly tarnishes our Victory. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!," Trump said. Just days after the Israel-Iran war ended, Trump in another post wrote that Bibi and he just went through hell together, fighting a "very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran." He stressed that this is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has ever been on trial, a "politically motivated case, “concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges” in order to do him great harm. " "Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State," he said.

Calling Netanyahu a "War Hero", Trump said that Netanyahu is 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.

'LET BIBI GO': Trump slams Israel's prosecutors over Netanyahu corruption trial, calls it 'POLITICAL WITCH HUNT'

The corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the second day on Wednesday (Dec 11). The trial involves three separate cases in which prosecutors said that Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favours with media titans for favourable press coverage and advanced the personal interests of a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for lavish gifts.

The corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the second day on Wednesday (Dec 11). The trial involves three separate cases in which prosecutors said that Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favours with media titans for favourable press coverage and advanced the personal interests of a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for lavish gifts. In the first case, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting more than $260,000 worth of luxury goods. The other two cases allege that Netanyahu received favourable coverage on the popular news website Walla, owned by his close friend Shaul Elovitch, in exchange for smoothing the way for a telecoms merger sought by Elovitch. What did Netanyahu say on the second day of the trial? On Wednesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu testified in court about his interactions with Elovitch, who is now the former owner of Walla. According to a report by The Times of Israel, Netanyahu insisted that he never had an agreement with Elovitch regarding Walla's coverage. Also read | Netanyahu corruption trial: Israeli PM calls allegations 'simply ridiculous' The report said that the PM characterised his conversations with Elovitch as general discussions about the media landscape. During the trial, Netanyahu described his first dinner meeting with Elovitch as an opportunity to get to know the Israeli businessman. Netanyahu said he spoke broadly (with Elovitch) about the country's media environment, which the PM described as dominated by left-leaning outlets. “I told him there’s an economic opportunity in providing the right-wing public with an outlet that reflects its positions,” Netanyahu said and pointed out he made similar appeals to other media figures. The prime minister hoped that Walla could evolve into a quality right-leaning website. 'No discussion of give and take with Elovicth' On being asked at the trial why he believed Elovitch did not implement changes at the news website, Netanyahu suggested that the businessman was frightened by the potential backlash from staff and media critics. Also watch | Ex-Shin Bet chief accuses Netanyahu of spying × On being questioned if Netanyahu and Elovitch discussed a quid pro quo agreement, the Israeli PM said, "Absolutely not. There was no discussion of give and take.” The Times of Israel report said that Netanyahu also dismissed the notion that he frequently contacted Elovitch. The Israeli PM asserted that the discussions with Elovitch were limited and focused on Walla's potential. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu corruption trial: Israeli PM says he didn't discuss give and take with ex-owner of news site

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase.

The 71-year-old veteran premier -- who last month contested his fourth election in less than two years -- arrived at the Jerusalem courthouse where he was met by supporters but also opponents who called him Israel's "crime minister".

Israel's first premier to be indicted in office was ordered to appear in person at Jerusalem's District Court for opening arguments in a case where is charged with bribery, fraud of breach of trust.&nbsp;

As court proceedings got underway, President Reuven Rivlin began two days of talks to determine which party leader has the best chance of forming a stable government following the March 23 election.

Israel remains mired in the worst political crisis in its 73-year history, with voters and the 120-member parliament bitterly split over whether Netanyahu deserves to extend his record tenure of 12 consecutive years.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first in the polls almost two weeks ago, winning 30 seats, but his path to a 61-seat absolute majority is precarious.&nbsp;

The anti-Netanyahu camp, however, lacks a clear leader, is ideologically divided and will also struggle to forge a majority coalition. &nbsp;

Netanyahu, wearing a black face mask and a dark suit, sat in court as lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari told judges that the premier was involved in "a serious case of government corruption".

He has been charged with accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage -- &nbsp;allegations which he denies.&nbsp;

Ben-Ari said Netanyahu had "made illegitimate use of the great governmental power entrusted to him," in his dealings with media executives "in order to advance his personal affairs".&nbsp;

With permission from judges, Netanyahu left the courtroom before the prosecution called its first witness, the former chief executive of the Walla news site, Ilan Yeshua.&nbsp;

Yeshua testified that he had regularly received instructions from Netanyahu's allies to post articles favourable to the prime minister and information that smeared the premier's rivals.&nbsp;

"It was clear that we were a website that did what the prime minister's office asked us," Yeshua told the court.&nbsp;

According to Yeshua's testimony, a key target of Netanyahu's alleged smear campaign was Naftali Bennett, the prime minister's estranged former protege who now leads the religious nationalist Yamina party.&nbsp;

That fact now spells a political problem for Netanyahu, who will likely need Bennett's support in order to form a government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Rivlin, whose presidential residence was also the site of an anti-Netanyahu protest, was meeting with party officials throughout the day. &nbsp;

According to custom, he will give the leader with the most recommendations from individual lawmakers a 28-day window to form a government. That can be extended by 14 days at the president's discretion.

The recommendations were proceeding as expected, with Likud and the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which control 16 seats, endorsing a Netanyahu-led government.

The election's second place finisher, the centrist Yesh Atid party, used its 17 votes to endorse leader Yair Lapid, a former television host.&nbsp;

Lapid also gained the eight seats controlled by Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who was Netanyahu's main rival in the three previous elections.&nbsp;

Gantz's decision to join a short-lived coalition under Netanyahu caused his political support to collapse.&nbsp;

While Lapid's final recommendation tally remains uncertain, an anti-Netanyahu alliance would require a tightrope deal among him, Gantz, Likud defector Gideon Saar, Bennett, and a group of left-wing parties.

Yamina has endorsed Bennett for prime minister, in another expected development.&nbsp;

But his position could evolve after Rivlin assigns a mandate.&nbsp;

In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, which controls four seats.

Its leader Mansour Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, further complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes.

If both the prime minister and the anti-Netanyahu camp fail to form a coalition, Israel could soon face a fifth election.

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase.

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase. The 71-year-old veteran premier -- who last month contested his fourth election in less than two years -- arrived at the Jerusalem courthouse where he was met by supporters but also opponents who called him Israel's "crime minister". Israel's first premier to be indicted in office was ordered to appear in person at Jerusalem's District Court for opening arguments in a case where is charged with bribery, fraud of breach of trust. As court proceedings got underway, President Reuven Rivlin began two days of talks to determine which party leader has the best chance of forming a stable government following the March 23 election. Israel remains mired in the worst political crisis in its 73-year history, with voters and the 120-member parliament bitterly split over whether Netanyahu deserves to extend his record tenure of 12 consecutive years. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party finished first in the polls almost two weeks ago, winning 30 seats, but his path to a 61-seat absolute majority is precarious. The anti-Netanyahu camp, however, lacks a clear leader, is ideologically divided and will also struggle to forge a majority coalition. Netanyahu, wearing a black face mask and a dark suit, sat in court as lead prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari told judges that the premier was involved in "a serious case of government corruption". He has been charged with accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade regulatory favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage -- allegations which he denies. Ben-Ari said Netanyahu had "made illegitimate use of the great governmental power entrusted to him," in his dealings with media executives "in order to advance his personal affairs". With permission from judges, Netanyahu left the courtroom before the prosecution called its first witness, the former chief executive of the Walla news site, Ilan Yeshua. Yeshua testified that he had regularly received instructions from Netanyahu's allies to post articles favourable to the prime minister and information that smeared the premier's rivals. "It was clear that we were a website that did what the prime minister's office asked us," Yeshua told the court. According to Yeshua's testimony, a key target of Netanyahu's alleged smear campaign was Naftali Bennett, the prime minister's estranged former protege who now leads the religious nationalist Yamina party. That fact now spells a political problem for Netanyahu, who will likely need Bennett's support in order to form a government. Meanwhile, Rivlin, whose presidential residence was also the site of an anti-Netanyahu protest, was meeting with party officials throughout the day. According to custom, he will give the leader with the most recommendations from individual lawmakers a 28-day window to form a government. That can be extended by 14 days at the president's discretion. The recommendations were proceeding as expected, with Likud and the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which control 16 seats, endorsing a Netanyahu-led government. The election's second place finisher, the centrist Yesh Atid party, used its 17 votes to endorse leader Yair Lapid, a former television host. Lapid also gained the eight seats controlled by Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who was Netanyahu's main rival in the three previous elections. Gantz's decision to join a short-lived coalition under Netanyahu caused his political support to collapse. While Lapid's final recommendation tally remains uncertain, an anti-Netanyahu alliance would require a tightrope deal among him, Gantz, Likud defector Gideon Saar, Bennett, and a group of left-wing parties. Yamina has endorsed Bennett for prime minister, in another expected development. But his position could evolve after Rivlin assigns a mandate. In an unprecedented twist for Israeli coalition politics, it appears impossible for either camp to form a government without support from the conservative Islamic Raam Party, which controls four seats. Its leader Mansour Abbas has said he is open to hearing from all sides, but the far-right Religious Zionism party has ruled out sitting in a government with Raam, further complicating Netanyahu's coalition hopes. If both the prime minister and the anti-Netanyahu camp fail to form a coalition, Israel could soon face a fifth election.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces court in corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial is all set to resume. Netanyahu have arrived in the court to attend the statement of the trial.

Netanyahu Corruption Trial: Israeli PM to attend opening statement

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Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces court in corruption trial

Netanyahu Corruption Trial: Israeli PM to attend opening statement