Netanyahu’s Aides Resist Scheduling His Testimony in Classified Documents Case

Israeli prosecutors have been attempting for two months to schedule Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in the classified documents case and the so-called "night meeting" affair, but all efforts have so far failed. Newly released recordings from Channel 12 reveal that Netanyahu’s chief of staff, Ido Nordan, has been resisting these attempts, telling investigators, "We don’t have a second to fit something like this in; it’s not relevant."

In conversations with police investigators, Nordan and Netanyahu’s advisor Nevo Katz gave conflicting answers about whether Netanyahu is even aware that authorities are trying to arrange his testimony. Nordan insisted Netanyahu does not need to know, saying, "I manage his schedule; there’s no place to put this at all." The investigator pressed that Netanyahu should be informed, but Nordan replied, "I don’t have time in the schedule," citing the prime minister’s packed agenda including court appearances, security events, and urgent appointments.

The recordings also show the investigator’s frustration with the lack of cooperation and clarity. He asked Nordan to confirm if Netanyahu knew about the summons and to provide a clear timeline for when testimony might be possible. Nordan repeatedly said he was overwhelmed and unable to prioritize the matter, suggesting the investigator contact Netanyahu’s lawyer instead. Meanwhile, Katz questioned how long the testimony would last and whether Netanyahu had been informed, further highlighting the confusion.

This standoff comes after at least ten failed attempts by the prosecution to summon Netanyahu over two months. The authorities continue to seek a date for his testimony amid ongoing legal proceedings. Netanyahu has appeared in court previously in this case, which involves allegations related to classified documents and meetings with foreign officials.

The situation underscores the challenges prosecutors face in coordinating with the prime minister’s office, which cites a demanding schedule and pressing national matters as reasons for the delay. Investigators remain determined to secure Netanyahu’s testimony as part of their inquiry.