[87399] A Stormy Testimony Day: Netanyahu Interrupts His Trial Due to "Diplomatic Developments"

The 95th Day of Testimony: Netanyahu Interrupts His Testimony Due to Diplomatic Needs

As part of the hearings in his trial on June 17, 2026, the 95th day of testimony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the panel of judges headed by Judge Friedman-Feldman to approve frequent breaks for him to conduct calls and meetings. According to reports, Netanyahu stated that he is in the midst of a "diplomatic maneuver with several countries" and asked to adjust the hearing schedule to his needs, including an early departure at 15:45 according to Ziv Rubinstein - until the war ends.

The requests to shorten the hearing day were accompanied by a vague statement from the Prime Minister that "there will be further developments that we will discuss later," as reported by Dafna Liel, Eli Tsipori, and Zirat HaHadashot. The judges granted the requests, including moving up the scheduled break to 12:00.

Against this backdrop, sharp criticism from commentators who support Netanyahu regarding the very conduct of the trial is evident. Eli Tsipori, who is identified with a line supporting the Prime Minister and attacking the law enforcement system, cited Netanyahu in his summary of the June 16 testimony comparing his investigations to political persecution and using expressions such as "police state" and "Stasi" toward the investigative and prosecutorial authorities.

The current developments highlight the complexity of managing the schedule of a Prime Minister on criminal trial, as he combines claims of urgent diplomatic events with the management of his legal defense.