Judges Reject Netanyahu's Request to Shorten Tomorrow's Testimony

An Israeli court on Monday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to cut short by about three hours his scheduled testimony in the so-called “cases” trial, which is set for Tuesday. Netanyahu had asked for the shorter hearing because of an important security cabinet meeting scheduled for 2 p.m.

In his request, Netanyahu’s lawyers said he was due to attend a high-level government meeting expected to make decisions affecting several ministries, and that his absence could disrupt government operations. They said some of the issues on the agenda were urgent and needed decisions by the following day at the latest.

The request also said officials had considered moving the meeting to Wednesday, but that was not possible because of the Knesset plenum, where ministers who are also lawmakers are required to participate. A move to Thursday was also ruled out because of the need to respond quickly to important items on the agenda.

Jerusalem District Court Vice President Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman denied the request, writing, “There is no factual basis in the request indicating urgency that would justify shortening the hearing.” She added, “The request is denied.”