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.
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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
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