Judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham denied the defense team’s plea to postpone witness hearings scheduled in Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. The team argued that lead attorney Amit Hadad had sustained a physical injury and required several days’ rest.

However, the court ruled that other attorneys could handle the questioning and saw “no justification” for halting proceedings over one lawyer’s condition. Testimonies have been taking place twice a week, with heightened security due to the conflict with Iran and Gaza.

Hearings Proceed In Netanyahu's Absence

While Netanyahu’s personal testimony has been temporarily paused due to his diplomatic visit, other scheduled defense witnesses, including Likud MK Moshe Saada, are still expected to appear. The defense said it would assess Hadad’s condition again by Tuesday.

The trial remains in the cross-examination phase and is projected to continue for at least another year before a verdict can be reached.

Background On The Charges

Netanyahu, indicted in 2020, faces charges in three separate corruption cases—known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. His hearings were moved to the more secure Tel Aviv District Court earlier this year.