Israeli 'state' attorney opposes Netanyahu's testimony delay request

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
13 Nov 2024 06:37

The Israeli "State" Attorney has denied the Prime Minister's request to delay his testimony for a corruption case he faces.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, on October 27, 2024. (AP)

The Israeli "State" Attorney has opposed a request by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone his testimony in his corruption case, Israeli media outlets reported on Tuesday, citing a statement from the attorney's office.

After Netanyahu requested the 80-day delay on Monday, citing preoccupation with the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, the "State" Attorney's Office has informed the Israeli regime's district court in occupied al-Quds that it opposes the request.

The office says that Netanyahu had been given sufficient time by the court to prepare for the testimony. The court is expected to discuss the Israeli prime minister's request and issue a decision on Wednesday, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

Among the charges faced by Netanyahu are bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Yet, Netanyahu, who has been under scrutiny for years, has denied any wrongdoing. The first court session on the charges was held on May 24, 2020, just after forming a coalition government with now political opponent, Benny Gantz.

However, despite being prosecuted for over four years, Israeli law does not require Netanyahu to resign from his position as head of the regime, unless he is convicted by the Israeli Supreme Court.

Netanyahu grapples with turmoil on the 'Home Front'

Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces growing opposition among Israeli settlers, who took to the streets in recent weeks to demonstrate against the sacking of Israeli Security Minister, Yoav Gallant. The minister's sacking is said to be linked to major disagreements within Netanyahu's government, including the direct occupation of areas in the Gaza Strip, the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews for military service, and the fate of Israeli captives, among other issues.

The Israeli Attorney General is also planning to inform Netanyahu of the possibility of enforcing the sacking of extremist Israeli figure Itamar Ben-Gvir, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is accused of interfering in the work of Israeli police.

Critics of Netanyahu have also accused him of prioritizing his interests over those of Israeli settlers, saying that he is prolonging the war on Gaza in order to protect his position as head of the government.