Netanyahu Trial Judges Order Attorney General to Appear in Court

Jerusalem District Court judges have ordered Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to appear for a hearing next Wednesday concerning the continuation of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's trial. The judges stated they considered summoning the Attorney General and were informed she believed her appearance was unnecessary, as she trusted the prosecution team to represent her position. However, the court concluded her personal appearance would add value, enabling a direct dialogue and allowing her to address issues firsthand. This decision comes despite Baharav-Miara's opposition, a day after the State Prosecutor's Office announced her intention not to attend, arguing the senior prosecution team was authorized to represent her and her personal attendance was not standard practice. Prosecutor Judith Tirosh informed the judges that the senior team, including the Deputy State Attorney, is equipped to convey all proceedings and judicial remarks to decision-makers. The judges' move follows a request by the defense teams for Netanyahu and co-defendant Shaul Elovitch, prompted by substantive issues raised during the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and other procedural questions. Lawyer Amit Haddad argued that the court has the authority to summon the Attorney General even if she does not wish to attend, citing a precedent where the Supreme Court summoned the State Attorney. To facilitate her appearance, the judges indicated they would consider holding the hearing in camera if necessary. Separately, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the trial, calling it a "prosecution trial" and alleging a conspiracy to frame the Prime Minister and overthrow the government, demanding an investigation into the prosecution's alleged crimes.