Shift to Defense Witnesses
Following nearly 100 days of testimony from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Jerusalem District Court is entering a new phase in the corruption proceedings against him. The court will now proceed to hear defense witnesses one by one, starting with Nuni Mozes, Shaul and Iris Elowitz. According to reports from Maariv, judges have exempted Netanyahu from attending these upcoming sessions, marking a significant procedural change as the focus shifts entirely to the defense’s case.
Record-Breaking Schedule
In an effort to conclude the trial before the retirement of presiding judge Rebeca Friedmann-Veldman in March 2028, the judicial panel has adopted an unprecedented pace. While previous weeks were characterized by delays and shortened sessions that allowed Netanyahu to control the timeline, the court has now mandated five hearing days per week starting in October. This intensity requires attorneys for both the prosecution and defense to work around the clock. Although the defense requested three cancellations in October due to annual office travel, the court maintained its aggressive schedule to maximize hearings before the Jewish holidays.
Upcoming Testimony
This week alone features four scheduled sessions. An administrative hearing will determine the order and dates for additional defense witnesses. MK Ze’ev Elkin is expected to complete his testimony, which was paused during the judicial break. Later in the week, Ronit Mendelbaum and Major Shmuel Sharbit are scheduled to testify. This rapid succession of witnesses contrasts sharply with the slow progression of the past year, where numerous postponements and requests to cancel or shorten sessions dominated the docket.
Evidentiary Challenges and Charges
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate files. In File 4000 (Bezeq-Walla), he is accused of trading media favors for positive coverage. File 2000 involves allegations of a deal with Shaul Elovitch, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, while File 1000 concerns alleged gifts from wealthy benefactors. Despite the accelerated timeline, judges have informed parties that they still perceive evidentiary difficulties regarding the bribery charge in File 4000. They have suggested that Israel consider withdrawing this specific charge, though the prosecution maintains it will pursue the trial to its conclusion regardless of the judicial assessment.
