Benjamin Netanyahu ordered to appear at trial for corruption | Conflict in the Middle East

An Israeli court on Tuesday ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appear next week at his lengthy corruption trial, ending a series of delays.

Mr. Netanyahu’s lawyers had filed several requests to postpone the testimony, arguing first that the war in the Gaza Strip had prevented him from preparing properly, then that his safety could not be guaranteed in the courtroom .

In Tuesday’s ruling, Jerusalem District Court judges ruled that following a security assessment, his testimony would be transferred to the Tel Aviv District Court. A court spokeswoman confirmed that the session would take place in an underground room.

December 10

His testimony in the trial, which began in 2020, is expected to begin on December 10 and last at least several weeks.

Israel’s prime minister is accused of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate scandals, in which he is accused of trading favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates .

Benjamin Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.