From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
US envoy Huckabee visits Netanyahu trial, has to leave due to closed-door session
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter
Immediately after US Ambassador Mike Huckabee arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court to show his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his trial, the hearing is changed to a closed-door session due to the issue under discussion, requiring Huckabee and all other members of the viewing public, to leave.
Netanyahu, Huckabee and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, who was also present in court, do however have a photograph taken together in a room just outside the courtroom.
Prosecutor Yonatan Tadmor has been questioning Netanyahu this morning about his relationship with billionaire Hollywood Arnon Milchan, and specifically the allegation that Netanyahu tried to help Milchan obtain a long-term US visa.
Milchan disclosed in 2013 that he had done clandestine work for Israel’s security agencies. It is alleged that Netanyahu intervened with then-US secretary of state John Kerry to get Milchan the long-term visa he sought.
Netanyahu suggested earlier in today’s hearing that the hearing become a closed-door session in order to discuss these details.
The Times of Israel Community.