Netanyahu Trial Expected to Last Years as Defense Plans Over 200 Witnesses

Benjamin Netanyahu's defense team plans to call over 200 witnesses, potentially extending the trial for several more years, according to attorney Noa Milstein. This estimate pertains solely to Netanyahu's defense, with separate proceedings to follow for co-defendants Shaul and Iris Elovitch, and Noni Mozes. Even under optimal conditions, with each witness testifying for one day and five hearing days per week, Netanyahu's defense could last until July 2027. If witnesses testify for two days each and there are four hearing days weekly, the defense phase might conclude by late 2028. The defense cases for the Elovitches and Mozes are expected to take an additional year, followed by one to two years for summations and the verdict.

The proceedings faced a setback when the defense canceled the testimony of former Knesset member Eitan Cabel at the last minute due to his reserve military duty. Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman deemed this a "serious malfunction," to which Milstein responded that the defense is making efforts to adhere to schedules and has a pool of ready witnesses. She explained that many of their witnesses were initially expected to be called by the prosecution and are not easily accessible or cooperative, requiring extensive preparation.

Judges Oded Shacham and Moshe Bar-Am expressed frustration with the delays, emphasizing the importance of efficient proceedings and the high cost of hearing days. "This is not how you manage the process," Shacham stated, calling the delays a "serious malfunction" and urging the trial to proceed with full vigor. Milstein countered that while speed is important, it is not the "supreme value" in this case, as the defense is presenting crucial evidence that should have been part of the prosecution's case, requiring them to work "around the clock."

Milstein further elaborated on the challenges, noting that some witnesses are unwilling to confirm their availability even when summoned, and that coordinating schedules requires significant effort, often involving work from 7 p.m. to midnight. She cannot guarantee five hearing days per week, especially with the need to have multiple witnesses on standby. The defense also noted that former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit could not appear on certain requested dates in October. The prosecution's team leader, Alon Gildin, agreed with the defense's challenges, stating that witnesses are not employees and predicting no "magic solutions" to prevent future disruptions. He suggested earlier witness summons, at least a month in advance, and focusing testimonies on key issues.