Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “extraordinary” circumstances have forced him to avoid attending his trial due to “grave national security threats.” This has become an almost monthly occurrence.
In his defense today, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued that Netanyahu’s trial should be indefinitely postponed until the “war in Gaza” is over. He declared:
“It is unbearable that after a sleepless night the Prime Minister must testify in court while the deep state pushes to advance the trial.”
Critics argue that Netanyahu has developed a tactic of engaging Israel in overt military action against neighboring countries such as Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, and then citing “urgency” to avoid court appearances. Analysts now predict that whenever Netanyahu claims “grave national concerns” to skip the trial, a new surgical strike or IDF operation may soon follow.
The trial of Netanyahu began over four years ago. It has not yet concluded, and it appears unlikely to do so in the near future.
The charges involve allegations of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud, including conflicts of interest, intentional fraud, and lobbying on behalf of specific Israeli businessmen.
Opposition figures in Israel claim that Netanyahu deliberately manufactures crises and wars in the Middle East to delay his trial as long as possible. By contrast, his supporters on the far right argue that attempting to prosecute “Israel’s greatest Prime Minister” on “fake charges” amounts to “treason against the State of Israel.”
Similar rhetoric has come from abroad. U.S. President Donald Trump stated after the Iran-Israel war:
“Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State.”