PM’s attorney: Netanyahu not ready to testify because he puts country’s needs ahead of his own

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense attorney in his corruption trial, Amit Hadad, says in a hearing at the Jerusalem District Court that the premier is unable to prepare properly for giving testimony on December 2, the date set by the court, because he has put the needs of the country above his personal legal interests during the current war.

“Netanyahu is managing the entire war, and there are weeks when we can’t meet with him. How can this be ignored?” demands Hadad, adding, “Do we not want a PM whose head is entirely in managing the war?”

Adds Hadad: “We’ve done so much to prepare for this testimony. Meetings have been canceled or postponed when other things come first.”

Hadad rejects the prosecution’s claim that further delaying the trial, now approaching the end of its fourth year, would damage the principle of equality before the law, and says the prime minister should not have to testify without being properly prepared.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the Jerusalem District Court to listen to video testimony from businessman Arnon Milchan in the prime minister’s corruption trial, June 27, 2023. (Oren Ben Hakoon / Flash90)