Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense attorney, Amit Hadad, submitted a request to the court on Sunday to postpone his testimony in Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000 by 10 weeks.
Hadad argued that recent security developments hindered adequate preparation. “Preparation for giving testimony became impossible,” he stated. “This short delay will allow the defense to prepare properly for his testimony without harming the public interest.” Currently scheduled for December 2, the defense seeks a new testimony start date in March 2025.
In recent weeks, signs emerged that Netanyahu would request this delay due to the security situation. The prosecution is expected to oppose the request and may seek an alternative at an earlier date.
“These and other events led to the cancellation of most preparation sessions intended for Netanyahu to give his testimony due to urgent security or diplomatic needs,” the statement read. Events referenced include the assassination of Hamas military leader Mohammad Deif, the murder of six hostages in Rafah, and the Hezbollah rocket that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams.
Netanyahu's defense further mentioned that new information, which could be detailed in a closed-door session, impacts the nature of his testimony. This statement alluded to Netanyahu’s potential preference to testify in a secure room, citing concerns about drone attacks.
His associates briefed media outlets close to him, claiming this assessment came from the Personal Security Unit, although recent reports suggest no such assessment exists. Conversely, considering an earlier date, the State Prosecutor's Office may oppose the request.
Full letter to the court
"Honorable Court:
In its decision on July 9, 2024, the court ruled, based on the facts available, that the defense phase would begin on December 2, 2024, with the Prime Minister’s testimony to be heard as legally required. The court noted this case's unusual complexity and scope, granting time to prepare the Prime Minister's testimony amid wartime. The undersigned made significant efforts to utilize the given time to prepare for Netanyahu’s defense.
However, since the decision, a series of extraordinary events have rendered it impossible to prepare Netanyahu’s testimony adequately. Without exhausting the list, it is worth highlighting a few publicly known events while noting that many additional events cannot be detailed in this public request.
On July 13, 2024, Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif was assassinated. Less than two weeks later, on July 27, 2024, Hezbollah attacked children in Majdal Shams, prompting Israel to retaliate with the assassination of Hezbollah Chief of Staff Fuad Shukr. Around the same time, Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s political bureau, was also assassinated by an unknown party.
Throughout August, extensive negotiations for the “Beaches Deal” took place until the murder of six hostages in Rafah on August 31 halted these talks. From early September 2024, Israel has engaged in an intense military conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and this escalated in late September as Iran joined the fray. Notably, Iran launched an attack on October 1, and Israel retaliated on October 25, with recent threats from Iran further compounding the situation.
These events, among others, have led to the cancellation of most preparation sessions for Netanyahu’s testimony due to urgent security and diplomatic needs. Many meetings were entirely canceled, some at the last minute, while others were abruptly cut short due to unforeseen events. For nearly two months, holding consistent preparation meetings for Netanyahu’s testimony has proven nearly impossible.
Given these circumstances, the Honorable Court is requested to grant an additional 10-week period, taking into account missed preparation times with the Prime Minister. This minimal delay, cognizant of other interests, is requested to ensure the defense is adequately prepared. Additionally, recent information within the defense establishment, which can be elaborated in a closed-door session, affects the testimony arrangements for Netanyahu.
The Honorable Court is thus requested to schedule an urgent hearing to present all relevant details, including those requiring a closed session. Before filing this request, the plaintiff’s position was sought, and the plaintiff’s representatives requested an opportunity to respond per the court’s instructions."