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 investigation, but his close aides appear to be obstructing the process. Newly revealed recordings from Channel 12 show Netanyahu's Chief of Staff, Ido Nordan, telling a police investigator that they have no time to arrange such a testimony, calling it irrelevant amid Netanyahu's packed schedule. The investigator sought to clarify whether Netanyahu was even aware of the attempts to set a date, but received conflicting answers from Nordan and Netanyahu's advisor Nevo Katz. Nordan insisted Netanyahu did not need to know, stating, "I manage his schedule, I have no place to put this." Katz, however, indicated he had informed Netanyahu and questioned how long the testimony would last.

The recordings reveal the intense pressure on Netanyahu's office, with Nordan describing a hectic agenda including meetings with the president, security events, and urgent appointments such as appointing a National Security Council head by June 1. He repeatedly refused to prioritize the testimony scheduling, telling the investigator to contact Netanyahu's lawyer instead. The investigator pressed for a clear answer on Netanyahu's awareness and the possibility of scheduling within the next months, but Nordan was unable to provide one, citing constant disruptions and lack of time.

This obstruction comes after at least ten failed attempts by the prosecution to summon Netanyahu for questioning regarding the classified documents and a "night meeting" case. The ongoing delays raise concerns that Netanyahu's team is deliberately avoiding the testimony. Prosecutors continue their efforts to set a date for Netanyahu's statement, emphasizing the importance of his direct knowledge of the process. The investigation remains active as the legal and political implications unfold.