Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a postponement of his corruption trial for at least two weeks, citing “secret security and political reasons.” The request was made public on Friday, and it remains to be seen whether the Jerusalem District Court will grant the postponement fully or partially.

According to Anadolu Agency, the trial was initially set to resume on Sunday after being suspended due to a US-Israeli attack on Iran that began on February 28. A two-week ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, brokered by Pakistan, as part of efforts to reach a broader agreement to halt the conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties.

Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three high-profile cases known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Prosecutors filed indictments against him in November 2019. In Case 1000, Netanyahu and his family are accused of receiving lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen in return for favors. Case 2000 involves accusations of negotiating favorable media coverage with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth. Case 4000 alleges that Netanyahu made regulatory decisions benefiting Shaul Elovitch, the former owner of Walla news website, in exchange for positive media coverage.

The trial, which commenced in 2020, continues as Netanyahu denies all charges, describing them as a “political campaign aimed at toppling” him. Beyond the corruption trial, Netanyahu faces international legal challenges, with the International Criminal Court wanting him since 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.