The Jerusalem District Court has denied Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to postpone his testimony in his ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu had sought an 80-day delay, citing his responsibilities for the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
The court, however, ruled on Wednesday that no significant change in circumstances justified altering the schedule. “Netanyahu’s defence team has had sufficient time to prepare,” the court stated, as reported by Israeli broadcaster KAN.
Netanyahu is required to appear in court on 2 December. The State Attorney’s Office had opposed his request for a delay.
The trial, which began in May 2020, sees Netanyahu facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The Prime Minister denies all accusations.
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not required to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court, a process that could take months.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon continue. The year-long conflict escalated after a Hamas attack last year, with Israel’s offensive reportedly resulting in over 43,700 deaths, primarily women and children. Tensions have also spilt into Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have intensified in response to cross-border clashes with Hezbollah.
