A panel of judges led by Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman announced today (Sunday) the postponement of planned testimonies in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial for two weeks. This follows a request from Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, to cancel upcoming hearings due to Netanyahu’s recovery from surgery last week.
Judges: Efforts Should Be Made to Avoid Complete Cancellation of Hearing Days
Netanyahu was discharged from the hospital last Thursday with a medical recommendation for two weeks of rest at home. In the discharge letter, the doctors emphasized the need for full recovery before the prime minister resumes his activities. Based on this, Attorney Hadad requested that the court delay the originally scheduled defense hearings.
While the judges granted the request, they emphasized that efforts should be made to avoid a complete cancellation of hearing days. They requested an update from the parties by Tuesday on whether an alternative defense witness could testify during the hearings scheduled for next week.
Prosecution’s Agreement
The prosecution agreed to the requested delay but added a condition: “Provided that the doctors’ recommendations are fully implemented.” This likely refers to ensuring that Netanyahu remains in complete rest at home for the allotted recovery period.
A Break Amid a Critical Phase
The postponement comes during a critical phase in Netanyahu’s trial, as key defense arguments in the Case 4000 corruption trial are being presented. The two-week delay is intended to allow Netanyahu to fully recover before resuming court proceedings.
Attorney Hadad noted that numerous defense witnesses are expected to testify in the coming weeks and that the trial schedule will be adjusted according to the prime minister’s medical progress. An update regarding an alternative witness is expected by Tuesday, after which the court will decide whether next week’s hearings can proceed with alternative testimony.
