Katz says Netanyahu’s criminal trial compromising national security

Defense Minister Israel Katz criticizes the continuation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial, arguing that it is interfering with national security decision-making.

In a post on X, Katz says that during the current “complex and sensitive” security situation, Netanyahu has had to step out of court proceedings to take urgent calls from him on a secure line – a situation he describes as “a harm to the state’s security and an absurdity that must stop.”

Earlier today, Netanyahu’s defense asked the court to further shorten today’s cross-examination testimony, citing an urgent defense and diplomatic schedule, and have it run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., after the judges had already made it later and shorter than usual, and said it would be held from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The court partially accepted this request, saying the hearing will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.