Candidate Seeks Trial Delay Citing Election Campaign
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Yosef Haddad, a candidate in the upcoming elections, has asked to postpone his criminal trial, citing his campaign commitments. The prosecution and the attorney for the co-defendant oppose the delay, arguing the case is old and has seen many postponements. Haddad is charged with reckless endangerment for allegedly firing his gun during a road dispute in July 2025, while the co-defendant is accused of assault. The judge will decide whether to grant the postponement.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yosef Haddad, a candidate, requested his criminal trial be postponed due to his election campaign.
- The prosecution and the co-defendant's attorney oppose the delay, urging the trial to proceed.
- Haddad is charged with reckless endangerment for allegedly firing his gun during a 2025 road dispute.
- The co-defendant, Ibrahim Shorfi, is accused of assault for allegedly spitting at Haddad.
- The judge will decide whether to grant the postponement of the trial.
- Haddad's attorney also expressed support for mediation to resolve the case.
Yosef Haddad, a candidate for the "Amcha Israel" party, has requested a postponement of his criminal trial, which is scheduled for Sunday. Haddad's legal team argues that his full attention is currently dedicated to his election campaign, which is set to take place in approximately two weeks. The request has met with strong opposition from the attorney representing the second defendant in the case, as well as the prosecution, who are urging the court to proceed as planned.
Haddad faces charges of reckless endangerment and negligence with a weapon, stemming from an incident in July 2025 in Tel Aviv. According to the indictment, he allegedly fired his handgun during a road dispute. The second defendant, Ibrahim Shorfi, a scooter rider involved in the altercation, is accused of assault for allegedly spitting at Haddad through his car window.
Haddad's attorney, Ephraim Damari, stated that his client is "completely immersed in the election system" and that attending the trial would prevent him from dedicating the necessary focus to it. Damari also expressed support for the court's recommendation to pursue mediation to resolve the case.
However, Ramzi Katilat, Shorfi's attorney, vehemently opposed the delay, arguing that Shorfi has no interest in Haddad's election campaign and that political aspirations should not dictate court proceedings. Katilat criticized the prosecution for what he termed "laxity" in Haddad's case and requested that the trial proceed, at least concerning his client, who he claims was nearly shot by Haddad and that his prosecution was intended as a "lifeline" for Haddad.
The Tel Aviv District Prosecution, represented by attorney Gal Austriac, also opposes the delay. They contend that the provided reason does not justify rescheduling, especially given the case's age and numerous previous postponements, stating it is time to move forward. The court is now awaiting Judge Yaron Gat's decision on the matter.
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