For fourth time, Netanyahu asks to postpone testimony

In a court filing on Sunday, lawyers representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested to delay his testimony in his criminal trials, from December 2 to December 15.

The request was the fourth of its kind, and came after a previous request a number of weeks ago to delay the testimony by ten weeks was rejected.

Seeking a postponement 

The court gave the state’s attorneys one day to respond to the request.

Netanyahu’s lawyers justified the request by stating that although they made the utmost effort to prepare the prime minister for the testimony, they did not finish on time, and the delay was exacerbated by the “cynical and miserable” decision by the International Criminal Court to issue a warrant against him.

Unless the postponement is granted by the court, Netanyahu is expected to appear on Monday at 11 a.m.

Haaretz reported last week that the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) refused a request by Netanyahu’s office to issue a document deeming the Jerusalem Regional Court unsuitable due to security concerns.

The prime minister is standing trial for three cases of fraud and breach of trust, and one case of bribery. In the first case, known as Case 1000, he is suspected of providing regulatory and other benefits to billionaire Arnon Milchan, after receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels worth of expensive cigars and champagne, alongside other gifts.

In the second case, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu is suspected of proposing a deal to Yediot Aharonot owner Arnon (Noni) Mozes, whereby he would target Yediot’s main competitor, Israel Hayom, in exchange for positive coverage.

In the third case, known as Case 4000, Netanyahu is suspected of providing Shaul Elovitch, major shareholder of a number of communications and media companies including Bezek, with regulatory benefits in exchange for positive coverage from Walla, which Elovitch also owned. In this case, Netanyahu was indicted for bribery on top of fraud and breach of trust.