Judges agree to postpone Netanyahu testimony for two weeks as he recovers from surgery
Defense and prosecution tasked by Jerusalem District Court with arranging for another defense witness to take the stand on days that had been scheduled for PM to testify
The Jerusalem District Court on Sunday acceded to a request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense attorney to cancel hearings scheduled for the premier’s testimony over the next two weeks due to his need to recuperate at home after prostate surgery.
The court said, however, that the defense and prosecution should arrange for another defense witness to take the stand on the days that had been scheduled for Netanyahu’s testimony, noting a comment by the prime minister’s defense attorney in court that he intended to call up many defense witnesses to the stand.
Both sides were instructed both sides to inform the court of their progress on such arrangements by Tuesday.
Netanyahu underwent surgery under full anesthesia at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem last Sunday to have his prostate removed. He then spent several days recovering in an underground, fortified ward, due to concerns that he could be targeted by rocket or missile fire amid the ongoing war.
The court agreed to cancel the hearings scheduled for last week because Netanyahu was expected to remain in the hospital for several days. Nevertheless, the premier briefly left the hospital on Tuesday to cast the deciding vote in the Knesset for a budget bill amid coalition squabbling.
His doctors recommended two weeks of rest at home following his discharge from the hospital last Thursday.
Netanyahu began his testimony on December 10 and has so far testified for six days. His current testimony concerns charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Case 4000, involving the Walla news site and its owner, Shaul Elovitch. The prosecution alleges Walla gave Netanyahu favorable coverage in return for his assistance to Elovitch on regulatory matters.
Even before his surgery delayed proceedings, Netanyahu’s testimony was expected to last several weeks, possibly months, given its current pace.
