Netanyahu's Trial Is Crumbling, and Trump's Calls to Cancel It Are Just the Final Straw
Since the beginning, there hasn't been a trick Netanyahu hasn't been pulled to delay his trial. It's no wonder he sought Trump's backing, seeing he too despises his own country's judicial system and, as a result, any independent and equitable judiciary
Yossi Verter, Haarretz, June 30, 2025
It must be admitted – by some with regret and others with joy – that Benjamin Netanyahu's trial is dissolving before our very eyes. It is no longer clear whether there's even a point to it. The proceeding has become a total joke, and it wasn't all too serious to begin with.
The panel of judges approved on Sunday a one-week delay of the hearings, next week we'll see what happens and the following week defendant No. 1, in his capacity as prime minister, plans to fly to the United States to meet with his friend, U.S. President Donald Trump, who will surely say out loud what he posted on social media denouncing the trial and the Israeli judiciary.
Moments after the royal couple's return from their weekend in Washington, the courts will recess until September 5, followed two weeks later by the month of Jewish fall holidays.
It's hard not to be suspicious, therefore, not only about Netanyahu's motion for a stay of proceedings but also the manner in which it was handled and dragged out. Like the entire trial, it is a motion devoid of real content, whose denial was assured. A second request also failed to persuade, and was followed by a bizarre ceremony with the head of Military Intelligence and the director of the Mossad.
It is also difficult to dismiss questions about the composition of the panel, whose cowardly conduct has become famous and that has, with its own six hands, undermined the very concept of "equality before the law."
It's very possible that Trump's remarks will be the last straw, a moment before the court loses its last shred of integrity, that will prod the judges into showing the defendant some backbone.
In the past week, Netanyahu thanked Trump for two supportive posts, including the second, unhinged one from Sunday, with an implied threat to suspend military aid if the trial is not canceled.
https://archive.ph/339Or#selection-925.0-1057.29
Secret deal to end Netanyahu trial fell apart over PM’s refusal to step down — sourceIn meeting with ex-Supreme Court chief Aharon Barak, premier’s lawyer suggested accepting conviction on minor charge but without leaving office; Barak insisted on PM stepping down
By Jeremy Sharon, Times of Israel, 27 June 2025
timesofisrael.com |
