Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Jerusalem District Court on Monday to shorten his testimony on Tuesday and cancel Wednesday’s hearing, as his cross-examination in Case 2000 nears its final stretch.
The request came during another disrupted day in Netanyahu’s criminal trial, after the prime minister also asked for an extended break on Monday to attend a ceremony marking the changeover of the head of the Defense Ministry security authority.
Netanyahu is currently being cross-examined in Case 2000, the media-corruption case involving his conversations with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon “Noni” Mozes ahead of the 2015 election. Prosecutors allege Netanyahu discussed advancing legislation that would weaken Israel Hayom, Yediot’s main competitor, in exchange for more favorable coverage. Netanyahu and Mozes deny wrongdoing.
In a written request filed by defense attorney Noa Milstein, Netanyahu asked to shorten Tuesday’s hearing because of two events: a 10 a.m. ceremony for the changeover of the prime minister’s military secretary, and an 11:30 a.m. ceremony for the incoming Mossad chief. The request said Netanyahu’s presence at both events was required.
The defense said it had checked, at the court’s request, whether the ceremonies could be moved to the afternoon, but that this was not possible. It proposed that Netanyahu testify Tuesday between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., before trying to attend a government meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Netanyahu also asked to cancel Wednesday’s hearing because the Knesset is expected to vote at 11 a.m. on the election of the next state comptroller. The request said the vote is held by secret ballot, that Likud MKs are expected to attend, and that Netanyahu is expected to be at the Knesset from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Court pushes back against Netanyahu leaving for Defense Ministry ceremony
Earlier Monday, the court pushed back on Netanyahu’s request to leave the hearing for the Defense Ministry ceremony.
“With respect, they should work around us,” presiding Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman said. “When there are security matters, there is no choice. But ceremonies? With all due respect, either they adjust to us, or we continue as planned.”
The court ultimately allowed Netanyahu to leave between 11 a.m. and noon.
Netanyahu argued that the event was not merely ceremonial, saying those involved in Israel’s security work deserved respect and that another half hour would not harm the trial.
Friedman-Feldman responded that Netanyahu’s testimony had been scheduled long in advance and that the court had repeatedly shortened or canceled hearings when necessary.
“The problem is that this testimony was not scheduled today,” she said. “Whoever planned the ceremony - and I certainly think respect should be shown to those who work for Israel’s security - also had to take into account that there is another schedule here.”
When Netanyahu suggested that other witnesses be heard instead, Friedman-Feldman said the court’s focus was on completing his testimony.
“We need to finish your testimony as quickly as possible,” she told him. “Everything else is happening at the same time. There is no way around that.”
Later in the hearing, Netanyahu received an envelope and asked for time to review it and explain its contents to his attorneys in the judges’ chambers. The hearing was then shortened by another 45 minutes.
Court nears end of Case 2000 cross-examination
The interruptions come as the Case 2000 cross-examination approaches its end. Prosecutors have questioned Netanyahu about the 2014 conversations with Mozes, the Israel Hayom bill, and Netanyahu’s claim that he did not seek favorable coverage from Yediot Aharonot but was trying to reduce hostile coverage and prevent or soften legislation he opposed.
Monday’s exchange showed the court’s growing frustration over delays not tied directly to urgent security needs.
“We are trying to finish, again and again,” Friedman-Feldman said. “The minimum is that when it is not a security situation, we can hold the proceeding as scheduled.”