Netanyahu’s lawyer requests court hearing on security arrangements during PM’s testimony

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attorney in his ongoing criminal trials, Adv. Amit Hadad, requested in a court filing on Thursday that it hold a hearing over the security arrangements expected during the prime minister’s testimony, which is set to begin on December 10.

The Jerusalem Regional Court bench on Wednesday ordered court management and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Service) to procure by December 2 a report on the expected security arrangements. Hadad has reportedly expressed concern that the prime minister’s testimony, which is expected to be held three times a week at the same location, could jeopardize his safety.

The request came after the bench agreed on Tuesday to delay Netanyahu’s testimony from December 2 to the 10th, but indicated that there would be no additional delays, as his testimony has already been delayed for months.

The prosecution on Monday addressed the manner of the prime minister’s testimony regarding security arrangements.

“After the attorney-general’s consultation with the Shin Bet, who had initial contact with the courts administration, several possible frameworks could be proposed to ensure proper and continuous trial proceedings, considering the PM’s security needs,” the prosecution wrote.

Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud charges

According to an investigation conducted by Walla, this refers to secure courtrooms where the prime minister can testify, specifically at the Tel Aviv District Court and Supreme Court, not the Jerusalem District Court.

Meanwhile, High Court Judge Ruth Ronen ruled on Monday that Netanyahu and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara must submit their positions prior to his testimony regarding petitions requesting that he be declared incapacitated for the duration of his testimony.

The prime minister is standing trial for three cases of fraud and breach of trust, and one case of bribery. In the first, 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, along with other gifts.

In the second one, 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.