In bid to reduce trial appearances, Netanyahu asks judges for closed-door security meeting

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requests to hold a closed door session with the judges in his criminal trial to discuss a “security matter,” in connection to his request last week to switch from three days of hearings every week, to two.

Netanyahu requests that both Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and the Director of Security of the Defense Establishment, an official responsible for security in the Defense Ministry, be present at the hearing.

“This is a sensitive security matter, exposure to which requires meeting the terms of the security authorities, including about the site where the classified hearing will take place,” Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad writes to the court.

The security agencies will need to coordinate matters with the Israel Court’s administration before the hearing, Hadad says.

“In light of the above, and in light of the important need to bring the information before the court, prior to deciding on arrangements for hearings, the court is requested to order the coordination of the security hearing as detailed above,” concludes Hadad.

It is requested that the closed-door hearing take place around noon. The court is yet to respond.