Netanyahu seeks 80-day delay in corruption trial

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Nov 2024 21:22

Netanyahu currently faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, charges that have persisted since 2020.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pauses during a press conference in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Jerusalem District Court to delay his testimony in his high-profile corruption trial, citing his preoccupation with the war on Gaza and Lebanon.

Netanyahu's legal team filed the request on Monday with the Court, requesting an 80-day postponement to allow the premier time to prepare for his appearance, currently set for December 2.

Netanyahu currently faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, charges that have persisted since 2020. His legal team claims that the "exceptional" security demands amid the ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza and the war on Lebanon make it impossible for him to dedicate time to his legal defense.

According to Israeli public broadcaster KAN, Netanyahu's attorneys contend that the prime minister's role in managing "Israel's" "national security and defense" under current wartime conditions leaves him unable to fully engage with trial preparations.

A Courtroom Battle Delayed by War

The Jerusalem District Court held the first session of Netanyahu's corruption trial on May 24, 2020.

The trial has since proceeded through various stages, with the prime minister and his legal team attempting to counter the charges of receiving lavish gifts from wealthy allies and seeking favorable media coverage in exchange for political benefits.

His scheduled testimony in early December was expected to be a pivotal moment in the proceedings.

Yet, Netanyahu's request signals a potential delay in a case that has already been prolonged, primarily due to his legal defense strategy and requests for procedural reviews.

Observers speculate that his team may leverage the current wartime situation to extend his time in office without the cloud of an imminent court appearance.

War Criminal

Aside from active trials in the occupied territories, Netanyahu also faces the potential prospect of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In May 2024, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders— martyr Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and martyr Ismail Haniyeh.

The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber is responsible for reviewing such applications to determine whether to issue arrest warrants. However, the process has encountered delays.

In October 2024, the court replaced one of the judges involved in the case due to "health reasons", which is expected to further postpone proceedings.

"Israel" has challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over this matter, submitting legal briefs in September 2024 to contest the legality of the arrest warrant requests.