Netanyahu Trial: Judges Order Legal Advisor to Attend Hearing

The judges presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial have ordered the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, to appear for a hearing, aiming for a "purposeful, two-sided dialogue." This decision was made despite Baharav-Miara's position that the prosecution team was authorized to represent her and convey her message.

The judges stated that after considering her stance, they concluded her personal appearance would add value. They believe that for a productive dialogue, the decision-maker needs to hear arguments directly and respond as necessary. The hearing is scheduled for November 18th at 9:30 AM, with the possibility of closed-door sessions if required.

Last week, the judges, Presiding Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman and Judges Oded Shacham and Moshe Baram, indicated they were considering summoning Baharav-Miara. This followed a request from the defense, including lawyers for Iris and Shaul Elovitch and Netanyahu's lawyer Amit Haddad, after the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit.

The judges' consideration stems from their previously expressed doubts about the strength of the bribery charge in Case 4000, suggesting the prosecution might reconsider it. Netanyahu also faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in the same indictment.

During the hearing, Yehudit Tirosh, head of the prosecution team, argued that the Legal Advisor's presence when senior prosecutors are present is an incorrect procedure for the prosecution system. She affirmed that the prosecutors present are authorized and trusted to convey the proceedings. Tirosh also mentioned that the offices of the Legal Advisor and the State Attorney are always accessible, and they agreed to the President's request, while the defendant chose not to. The article notes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is presumed innocent until proven guilty.