Netanyahu excused from court testimony due to key US visit

The Jerusalem District Court has excused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from appearing to testify in upcoming corruption hearings next week, citing his scheduled official visit to the United States, according to Israeli media reports.

At the start of the Israeli cabinet meeting on July 1, Netanyahu announced his planned meetings in the US with President Donald Trump, Vice President Jay Chao, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hagseth, and Special Envoy Stephen Whitcoff.

Although the detailed agenda has not been publicly released, discussions are expected to focus heavily on Iran and the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is currently facing a corruption trial in the Jerusalem District Court on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three distinct cases. 

The “Gifts affair”

Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of receiving gifts worth approximately 700,000 shekels (around $186,000) from two affluent businessmen: Israeli film producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.

The gifts reportedly included luxury cigars and champagne. Prosecutors claim Netanyahu reciprocated by granting political favours to Milchan, such as assisting in obtaining a US visa and pushing for tax benefits benefiting Israelis abroad, including Milchan. Netanyahu denies the accusations, asserting that the gifts were personal and did not influence official decisions.

The “Yedioth Ahronoth affair”

In this case, Netanyahu is accused of attempting to secure favourable media coverage from Arnon Mozes, publisher of the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth. The prosecutors allege that Netanyahu sought this support in exchange for legislative measures aimed at weakening Israel Hayom, a competing newspaper. Charges include fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu refutes the claims, stating no such agreement was finalised.

The “Bezeq-Walla affair”

Netanyahu faces allegations of providing regulatory advantages to the telecom company Bezeq, owned by Shaul Elovitch, in return for positive media coverage on the Walla news website, which Elovitch also controls. Prosecutors contend that Netanyahu, first as communications minister and later as prime minister, intervened in regulatory decisions benefiting Bezeq, such as mergers and financial perks. In exchange, Elovitch allegedly directed Walla journalists to publish favourable stories about Netanyahu and his family. Charges in this case include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Throughout the proceedings, Netanyahu has maintained his innocence, describing the charges as politically motivated efforts to weaken his leadership. The trial began in 2020 but has faced multiple delays due to security concerns and national crises. The case remains active, with further testimony from Netanyahu expected in the coming weeks.

By Tamilla Hasanova