Benjamin Netanyahu faced another delay in his ongoing criminal trial after a scheduled court hearing was abruptly canceled less than two hours before proceedings were set to begin. The cancellation was requested by his attorney, Amit Hadad, who cited the prime minister’s “security schedule” as the reason. No further details were publicly disclosed, with the defense indicating that additional information would be submitted to the court and prosecutors under sealed conditions.

The postponed appearance marks the latest in a series of delays in a case that has been ongoing since 2020. Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges, has repeatedly seen his testimony deferred, prolonging what has become one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in the country. Later the same day, Netanyahu was reported to have attended a security briefing, though officials did not link it directly to the cancellation.

The trial involves three separate cases, each centered on alleged interactions between Netanyahu and influential figures in business and media. In Case 1000, prosecutors allege that Netanyahu received luxury gifts, including cigars and champagne, from businessmen such as Arnon Milchan and James Packer, in exchange for political favors. He faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in this matter.

Case 2000 focuses on recorded discussions between Netanyahu and media executive Arnon Mozes, where prosecutors claim the two explored a potential arrangement involving favorable coverage in return for actions that could disadvantage a rival publication. In Case 4000, widely considered the most serious, Netanyahu is accused of advancing regulatory decisions that benefited telecom executive Shaul Elovitch in exchange for positive media coverage.

Netanyahu has denied all allegations, maintaining that his actions were lawful and that no improper exchanges took place.