Netanyahu's Lawyer Says Trial Won't Conclude Before March 2028 Amid Scheduling Disputes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared at the Jerusalem District Court on Monday for a hearing concerning his defense team's opposition to expanding his testimony days to five per week and the presentation of defense witnesses. Attorney Amit Hadad, representing Netanyahu in the high-profile cases known as the 'thousands cases,' stated that holding four or more trial days weekly is unfeasible. He explained that such a schedule would force the defense to work every Saturday and holiday, violating labor laws and paradoxically prolonging the trial. Hadad warned that this would prevent proper witness preparation and examination, potentially causing a miscarriage of justice, and even suggested the defense might withdraw representation if pressured further. He estimated there is no chance the trial will conclude before March or September 2028, describing the case as enormous and criticizing the prosecution for focusing on irrelevant details.

Last week marked the end of Netanyahu's testimony in Case 4000, concluding a year-and-a-half-long defense cross-examination phase. At the hearing's close, Netanyahu addressed the judges, condemning the trial as "vile, false, and malicious." He criticized the use of Pegasus spyware against many citizens, asserting Israel is not a police state. Netanyahu further claimed the investigations aim not only to violate his personal rights but also to undermine the public's right to elect him as leader. He accused the prosecution of deception and entrapment, insisting the case is neither fabricated nor closed. The trial continues amid these tensions over scheduling and legal strategy.