Netanyahu slams recusal petition, says it politicizes judicial system

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
1 Dec 2024 21:59
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Benjamin Netanyahu responds to a petition calling for his recusal while testifying in court throughout his trial for fraud.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses lawmakers in the Knesset in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, on November 18, 2024 (AP)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to a petition requiring that he step down while testifying in his criminal trial later this month, slamming it as a "serious attempt" to politicize the judicial system, in violation of the law and decisions made by elected democratic institutions regarding whether the prime minister can remain in office during the trial.

The High Court of Justice had ordered Netanyahu to respond to the petition by December 1, as his testimony was originally scheduled to begin on December 2. However, the start of his testimony has since been delayed until December 10.

This comes after the Prime Minister's defense team stated that they could not adequately prepare for his testimony due to his demanding schedule related to the ongoing war, and therefore requested a 15-day delay.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu's defense team sought a 10-week delay, but the court rejected the request, stating that it had already allowed him five months to prepare when the date was set in July.

The petition calls for Netanyahu to step down from office for the duration of his court testimony, which is expected to span several weeks. He will likely be required to testify four days a week unless alternative arrangements were made.

The Israeli prime minister is currently facing 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" security and defense under current wartime conditions leaves him unable to fully engage with trial preparations.