Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal team has requested a two-and-a-half-month delay for his upcoming testimony in his corruption trial, citing an array of recent security incidents that have impeded preparations. The appeal, filed with the Jerusalem District Court, claims the prime minister’s limited availability due to “urgent security or diplomatic needs” has made trial preparation “impossible,” according to Hebrew media reports.

The request argues that recent escalations in the ongoing conflict have disrupted scheduled sessions meant to ready Netanyahu for his testimony. His legal team contends that this postponement will provide sufficient time for proper preparation without compromising the public interest.

This move is widely anticipated, given the security challenges Netanyahu currently faces. Notably, the prime minister’s private residence was targeted by a Hezbollah drone last month, leading him to operate from secure, undisclosed locations under new security protocols.

Netanyahu’s court appearance is slated to start on December 2, after the prosecution rested its case earlier this year. His testimony, expected to span several hours each day over multiple weeks, marks a critical phase in his defense against charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery that were first filed nearly five years ago.

Previously, Netanyahu’s legal team requested a trial postponement until March 2025, a bid the court declined, opting instead for the December date. Despite the ongoing war, Netanyahu had maintained his ability to stand trial while serving as prime minister. However, these recent developments may lead to renewed calls from watchdog groups to petition the High Court for his recusal from office—demands that have so far been dismissed.