Multiple political and regional circles are watching closely to see what unfolds in the coming days, following statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinting at “important events” and a “new window of opportunity” that could emerge next week — possibly including a deal on Gaza or new normalisation agreements with additional Arab states.
In line with these statements, Netanyahu successfully convinced the Jerusalem District Court on Sunday to grant him a two-week delay in providing testimony in his ongoing corruption trial. This came after closed-door deliberations held in a confidential session.
Netanyahu attended the session in person, presenting what he called “critical national reasons” for why he could not appear as scheduled, insisting that decisive issues required his full attention at this stage. His appeal, and the court’s approval, have sparked questions about the real motives behind the request.
Below are five scenarios analysts expect could unfold following the postponement of Netanyahu’s trial:
1. Gaza Deal and Prisoner Exchange
Talks of a possible Gaza ceasefire and a comprehensive prisoner swap deal have resurfaced after recent U.S. statements signalled an imminent end to the war in Gaza within days, as part of a broader agreement.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Sunday that Netanyahu has sent signals indicating he is interested in ending the war in Gaza within 10 days.
However, Israeli political sources denied on Sunday that any “substantial progress” has been made in the indirect talks with Hamas regarding a prisoner exchange, despite statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that sparked cautious optimism, according to Channel 12.
A meeting of Israel’s security cabinet concluded without decisions, and Hebrew media reported that ministers were briefed that no breakthrough has yet been achieved in negotiations with Hamas.
2. Normalisation with Syria
Israel’s official broadcaster “KAN” revealed that direct dialogue is underway between Syria and Israel, focusing on an Israeli withdrawal from southern Syria — while leaving the issue of the occupied Golan Heights untouched for now. This could signal an emerging strategic rapprochement backed by the U.S. and Gulf states, potentially leading to a historic normalisation agreement.
According to KAN, Netanyahu’s court session — which included senior security officials — was reportedly connected to these potential talks with Syria.
3. Military Escalation in Yemen
Israeli sources predict that Netanyahu’s government may launch an unprecedented military campaign against Yemen, targeting the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement, which continues to fire ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli targets.
Hebrew media outlets have linked Netanyahu’s trial delay to preparations for a major offensive against Yemen — similar to the surprise attack launched inside Iran on June 13.
4. Renewed Strikes on Iran
Israeli analysts have not ruled out the possibility of Israel, with stronger U.S. support, resuming strikes against Iran following reports that the recent attacks fell short of significantly damaging Iran’s nuclear programme.
Supporting this possibility, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz recently stated that the Israeli military is preparing an operational plan for Iran. The plan includes maintaining Israel’s aerial supremacy, halting Iran’s nuclear advancements, disrupting its missile production, and responding to Tehran’s continued support for operations targeting Israel.
While Netanyahu continues to frame these strikes as part of dismantling Iran’s nuclear threat, The Washington Post has revealed that Iranian officials, in an intercepted conversation, expressed satisfaction with the limited impact of recent U.S. airstrikes on nuclear facilities.
5. Increased Pressure on Hezbollah
Israel’s government has enforced a new security equation in Lebanon based on a “mowing the grass” policy — preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities, especially south of the Litani River.
The agreement signed with Lebanon on November 27, 2024, appears to have emboldened Netanyahu’s government to pursue deeper operations inside Lebanon, as Hezbollah has avoided direct escalation despite repeated Israeli breaches and high-profile assassinations during the ceasefire.
Analysts suggest this reality could prompt Netanyahu to authorise a fresh wave of expanded operations targeting Hezbollah’s positions and infrastructure deep within Lebanon — aiming to neutralise its threat for years to come, capitalising on what officials see as a narrow but crucial window.
Conclusion
As Netanyahu manoeuvres both his legal troubles and the region’s shifting dynamics, these potential scenarios — from a Gaza ceasefire to strikes in Iran and escalation in Lebanon — are fuelling speculation over how the Israeli government plans to reshape the Middle East political map in the weeks ahead.
