RUSSIAN FORCES TO STAY IN MALI TO FIGHT TERRORISM: KREMLIN. (PHOTO).
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a delay in his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, citing security and diplomatic developments in the region, according to a court filing submitted by his attorney.
The request comes as the trial was scheduled to resume, following Israel’s lifting of a state of emergency tied to its recent conflict with Iran after a ceasefire announcement earlier this week. While the defense said it is prepared to continue with testimony from a prosecution witness, it asked that Netanyahu’s own appearance be postponed.
In the filing to the Jerusalem District Court, Netanyahu’s legal team said classified security and diplomatic matters connected to recent events across Israel and the wider Middle East prevent the prime minister from testifying for at least two weeks. The submission stated that a sealed envelope containing the classified details was provided to the court for review.
The court is expected to make a decision after receiving a response from prosecutors.
Netanyahu, who became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, has denied allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust stemming from investigations launched years ago. His trial began in 2020 and carries the possibility of prison time if he is convicted.
The proceedings have been repeatedly delayed over the years due to official duties and other disruptions, and no conclusion date has been set.
The case, along with the political fallout from the October 2023 Hamas attacks, has contributed to declining public support for Netanyahu. Israel is expected to hold elections in October, with polls suggesting its governing coalition—considered the most right-wing in the country’s history—faces an uphill battle to remain in power.
Comments
Post a Comment