politics
Netanyahu Trial Testimony Cancelled Amid Ongoing Middle East Developments
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled testimony in his corruption trial was cancelled following a message from his defense team. Meanwhile, Israel conducted air strikes in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, and the US announced plans to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. European leaders responded to US troop drawdowns and related announcements.
May 4, 3:07 AM·3m read1 source
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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.
