The Israeli prime minister’s next hearing is not expected before September because the court will be in recess.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, will not attend this week’s scheduled corruption hearings. His office announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with food poisoning.
The trial, which began in 2020, includes charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust related to allegations that he used his influence and accepted gifts improperly. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and claims the case is a politically motivated attack against him.
Officials reported that the 75-year-old prime minister became ill overnight and was examined at his home by his physician. He was diagnosed with intestinal inflammation caused by eating “spoiled food” and is being treated with intravenous fluids for dehydration. His condition is reportedly good.
“As per his doctors’ recommendations, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state business from there,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. He also was absent from Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting due to his illness.
Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, requested the postponement, which the State Attorney’s Office agreed to, suggesting testimony later in the week. However, the court canceled all sessions, and with the summer recess beginning, the next hearing is not anticipated before September 5.
The hearings have been delayed several times due to Netanyahu’s health problems, Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Iran, and diplomatic travel, according to Israeli media reports. In December 2024, he missed a session due to a urinary tract infection resulting from an enlarged prostate and reportedly underwent surgery.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump urged that the proceedings be canceled, calling the case a “witch hunt.” Earlier in June, the U.S. joined Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, alleging that Tehran was close to completing a nuclear bomb. Iran denied these claims and retaliated by attacking Israel and a U.S. base in Qatar.
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