Jerusalem: The Israeli prosecution has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to postpone next week's hearings in his corruption trial due to his planned visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump. The decision was reported by local media on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu cited his visit to the US as the reason for requesting the cancellation of his trial sessions, a request that the prosecution has approved. This follows the Jerusalem District Court's decision to cancel this week's trial sessions after a similar request by the premier.

The cancellation is influenced by Trump's repeated calls for Netanyahu's trial to be cancelled, labeling it a 'witch hunt' against the prime minister. Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which could lead to imprisonment if proven.

Netanyahu began interrogation sessions in January related to Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000, which he denies. An indictment related to these cases was filed by the attorney general at the end of November 2019. Netanyahu's trial started on May 24, 2020, marking the first time a sitting Israeli leader has taken the stand as a criminal defendant in the country's history.

He also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over atrocities in Gaza, where more than 56,600 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since Oct. 7, 2023.