Netanyahu Trial Judges Reveal Closed-Door Testimony From Nir Hefetz's Associate

In the ongoing trial of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, judges disclosed that a witness described as a close associate of Nir Hefetz testified behind closed doors during a session held yesterday. The testimony primarily focused on investigative procedures related to the witness herself, following claims previously raised by the defense team. Several media outlets, including Walla, Channel 13 News, Galei Tzahal, Haaretz, and Israel Hayom, petitioned the court to allow media representatives to attend the closed session or at least publish a paraphrased summary of its content. However, the court upheld a gag order concerning the witness, declining to provide further details beyond confirming the testimony took place in private.

The defense alleges that the police deliberately orchestrated a meeting between the associate and Nir Hefetz in the corridors of Lahav 433, the Israeli national crime unit, as part of an interrogation tactic. They claim Hefetz was threatened with harm to his family to coerce cooperation. According to the defense, the associate, who was then employed in the office of Amit Hadad, Netanyahu's attorney, was interrogated without any suspicion or necessity, serving as pressure on Hefetz during the investigation.