(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be absent from his planned corruption hearings this week after being diagnosed with food poisoning, his office announced on Sunday.

The trial, which began in 2020, includes accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust related to allegations of influence peddling and accepting gifts.

Netanyahu denies all allegations, calling the case a "politically motivated campaign" against him.

Officials reported that the 75-year-old leader became ill overnight and was examined at home by his physician.

He was found to have intestinal inflammation caused by consuming “spoiled food” and is currently receiving intravenous fluids to treat dehydration. His overall health status was described as stable.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated, “In accordance with his doctors’ instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will conduct state affairs from there.”

Due to this illness, Netanyahu also missed the Sunday weekly cabinet meeting.

Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, requested a postponement, which the State Attorney’s Office agreed to, suggesting that the testimony be rescheduled later in the week.

Nevertheless, the court decided to cancel all sessions, and with the summer recess commencing, the next hearing is not anticipated until September 5.

The hearings have encountered several delays caused by Netanyahu’s health problems, Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Iran, and diplomatic trips, according to Israeli media reports.

In December 2024, Netanyahu missed a session because of a urinary tract infection linked to an enlarged prostate and reportedly underwent surgery at that time.

MENAFN21072025000045017167ID1109825179