Netanyahu's Lawyer Criticizes Five-Day Trial Schedule as Unprecedented Burden

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on Monday regarding the extension of the trial schedule in his corruption case, which was recently expanded to five days a week. During the session, Netanyahu's attorney, Amit Hadad, sharply criticized the court's decision, stating that only the Adolf Eichmann trial had previously run five days a week. Hadad explained that the defense team had previously indicated their inability to continue representing Netanyahu under the intensified schedule, which was initially four days a week but now increased to five.

Hadad expressed frustration over the court's refusal to allow the defense to withdraw, describing the situation as a "lock-in" with no foreseeable relief. He warned that the demanding schedule would force the defense to work on weekends and holidays, yet still fall behind in preparing witnesses. Hadad predicted a significant miscarriage of justice and said the trial could not realistically conclude before September 2028, far beyond the court's two-year deadline for issuing a verdict following the expected retirement of Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman.

Last week, the trial's judicial panel announced the shift to five weekly sessions after the holidays, prompted by the judge's upcoming departure and the need to complete the case within the remaining time. Until now, the trial had been held four days a week, with three days dedicated to Netanyahu's testimony, which concluded on Monday. Numerous sessions have been shortened or canceled throughout the proceedings.

The trial, known as the "Case 4000" or "Thousand Cases," involves allegations of corruption against Netanyahu. The intensified schedule aims to expedite the lengthy legal process but has met resistance from the defense team due to its demanding nature.