Rejection also rejected by PM's request to be represented by two attorneys • Netanyahu's defense attorneys insist that the prosecution insists on his presence in the courtroom only for media outlets to shoot on defendant's bench • Netanyahu can still appeal to High Court against decision

• Netanyahu at the inauguration ceremony in Lod District Court // Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO

Jerusalem District Court judges on Wednesday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request not to attend the hearing on his case on Sunday. According to the justices, "As far as the reading is concerned - the rule is that a defendant is liable to read, which is the opening of the trial. This is the case in every criminal proceeding, as is the case in the current criminal proceeding. We have not found that there is reason to request an exception to this rule."

District judges rejected not only Netanyahu's request not to go to court, but also the request to allow additional defense counsel on behalf of Netanyahu and Nononi Moses to attend a hearing in the Central Hall, following the social remoteness currently in the state.

The judges' decision states that "while the applicant claims attendance is not necessary for the reading status, since 'the applicant's contribution to the hearing will be condensed by confirming that he read the indictment and understand its contents', but that is precisely the contribution it requires - to attend the hearing and confirm the case. , Like the other defendants, to come and speak in court. " In doing so, the justices agreed with the prosecutor's position that the prime minister must listen to the charges court and confirm in his own voice that he understands the matter.

Netanyahu is charged with remembering counts of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. It should be noted that after all, the decision is not yet final and the prime minister can appeal against the High Court.