In a significant development in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, his legal team formally requested on Monday to be relieved of its duties, citing the recent expansion of the testimony schedule.
In September, the Jerusalem District Court decided to increase the frequency of hearings in Netanyahu’s criminal corruption trial to four days a week from three. This decision was made to expedite the proceedings, which have been ongoing since 2020. The court emphasized that the complexity and scale of the case necessitated a more intensive schedule to ensure a timely resolution.
Following this decision, Netanyahu’s lawyers – Amit Hadad, Israel Wolerman, and Noa Milstein – filed a formal request on Monday to be released from representing the prime minister. In their written submission, they argued that the expanded schedule would hinder their ability to provide effective representation. They contended that the increased frequency of hearings would not only impede their capacity to manage other cases but also place undue strain on their resources.
The attorneys specifically requested an urgent meeting to discuss a prior appeal aimed at canceling all hearings scheduled for Sundays. They proposed that part of this meeting be conducted behind closed doors, citing the sensitive nature of the matters to be discussed.
The advocates further expressed concern over the impact of the expanded testimony schedule on Netanyahu’s official duties. They argued that the increased court appearances would significantly reduce the time available for him to address pressing national and security issues; the decision to require him to testify three days a week was disproportionate and unbalanced, given the challenges facing the State of Israel, they added.
Despite the objections from Netanyahu’s defense team, the court upheld its decision to expand the testimony schedule. What remains to be seen is how they will respond to the Monday request by Netanyahu’s attorneys.
Presiding judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham rejected a previous request to reduce the number of weekly hearings. They justified their decision by referencing the unprecedented scale and complexity of the case, noting that similar measures had been taken in past high-profile trials to ensure efficiency.
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases: Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial is currently in the cross-examination phase and is expected to continue for at least another year before a verdict is reached.
This legal proceeding remains a focal point in Israeli politics, drawing significant public and media attention. The outcome of the trial could have profound implications for Netanyahu’s political future and the broader political landscape in Israel.