Netanyahu Trial Testimony Cancelled Amid Ongoing Middle East Developments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony in his corruption trial was cancelled after his defense team sent an overnight message to the court, Israeli media reported. The court administration stated that the hearing would not take place following an update from Attorney Amit Hadad, according to The Times of Israel.

Netanyahu faces corruption charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison, with proceedings previously postponed due to Israel's conflicts in Gaza and with Iran.

Trump ordered the US military to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to US media reports. Outlets including The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Axios reported that the initiative, called Project Freedom, involves US Navy ships in the vicinity to prevent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, but does not include escorting them.

A US official stated to CNN that the plan is not an escort mission and aims to make commercial ships feel safe. European diplomats and shipowners expressed doubts about its effectiveness, with one shipowner noting that guidance by a Western ship could attract Iranian fire, The Wall Street Journal reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a coordinated manner. Macron stated at a meeting in Armenia that this is the only solution and that France would not participate in unclear military operations.

Iranian officials, including Parliament members and military officers, stated that any US intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would be regarded as a violation of the ceasefire, according to reporting from Tehran. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated at a news conference that regional countries are aware the US-Israeli actions against Iran violate international law and that participating countries are responsible.

The US evacuated 22 crew members from the seized Iranian vessel M/V Touska to Pakistan as a confidence-building measure, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced. The ship, captured in the Gulf of Oman last month, will be returned after repairs.

The Israeli military announced air strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, with Lebanon's state-run news agency confirming an attack on Barashit in Nabatieh governorate. Israel attacked at least eight locations in southern Lebanon, including Debaal, Qana, Srifa, Qalaouiyah, Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Toulin, Shehour, and Braashit, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.

Israel had warned residents in some areas to evacuate. Despite an April 16 ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanges in southern Lebanon, where Israel maintains troops in a buffer zone. In Gaza, Israel expanded a military boundary, bringing about 60 percent of the area under its control, according to reports.

This change has raised humanitarian concerns.

Vice President Kaja Kallas stated that the timing of the US announcement to draw down 5,000 soldiers from Germany was a surprise. Kallas noted that US forces in Europe protect both European and US interests and that Europe needs to contribute more as NATO members.

President Trump announced the withdrawal after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the US is facing humiliation in its conflict with Iran and lacks a clear exit path. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that European nations have received the message from President Trump regarding military base agreements and are implementing them.

Rutte acknowledged US disappointment with some NATO nations' support in the conflict with Iran.

Sultan al-Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, stated that the UAE's decision to exit OPEC and OPEC+ is a sovereign choice to reposition in the global energy landscape and is not directed against any nation. Al-Jaber added that the move is part of efforts to reshape the UAE's economy by connecting energy, technology, and industry.