Israel's Netanyahu leaves court prematurely as conflict with Syria heats up

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left a court hearing prematurely due to escalating tensions with Syria.

Security services are preparing for a possible intensification of the conflict with Damascus, prompting the prime minister to leave the hearing to oversee the situation, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Earlier, the Israeli Air Force carried out drone strikes on Syrian regime positions in the city of As-Suwayda, where fierce clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups have occurred in recent days, as well as on the General Staff building in Damascus.

Prime Minister Netanyahu was on trial facing three criminal charges: bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The accusations stem from allegations that he received lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and sought favorable media coverage in exchange for political and regulatory benefits.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, insisting the charges are part of a politically motivated campaign by prosecutors and law enforcement aimed at ousting him from office.

The trial, which began in 2020, is unprecedented in Israeli history, marking the first time a sitting prime minister has been criminally prosecuted while in office. 

By Khagan Isayev