Judges Order Attorney General to Appear in Netanyahu Trial Hearing

The judges presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial have ordered Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to personally appear before them for a special hearing on November 18, 2026. This decision comes after Baharav-Miara stated she did not believe her presence was necessary, expressing confidence in the prosecution team representing the state.

The court emphasized that Baharav-Miara's personal attendance is crucial for a direct dialogue with the individual authorized to make decisions regarding the trial's progression. The judges noted that while they received her position that her presence was not required, they concluded "there is added value in the Attorney General's own appearance" to facilitate a productive, two-way discussion.

Previously, prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh informed the court that Baharav-Miara would not attend, citing regular updates from the senior prosecution team. However, the prosecution also indicated that the Attorney General and the State Attorney are open to direct discussions about potential agreements to advance the legal proceedings.

Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, acknowledged the court's authority to summon the Attorney General even if she is unwilling to attend. This development follows a prior hearing where the judges themselves had considered summoning Baharav-Miara, with Judge Oded Shacham remarking that the defense might have "kicked down an open door." Presiding Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman had also commented on the unusual nature of many aspects of the trial.

At an earlier stage, the prosecution had expressed reservations about the judges' potential move, with prosecutor Nitzan Vulcan questioning the court's authority to hold such a hearing. Now, however, the judges have set a binding date for Baharav-Miara's appearance to discuss the future management of the Netanyahu trial.