Overview

• President Trump accused Israel of conducting a “ridiculous witch hunt” against Prime Minister Netanyahu and urged on Truth Social that the trial be halted immediately.
• Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery over alleged preferential deals with telecom firm Bezeq and luxury gifts from billionaire associates.
• Earlier this month the prime minister became the first sitting Israeli leader to testify in a criminal court, vehemently denying all wrongdoing.
• Security risks from the war with Iran have forced Israeli courts to operate with skeleton staff, limiting hearings to the most urgent cases.
• Legal experts warn that with further cross-examination scheduled, the five-year trial could continue for several more years.