Following the prosecution's demand, the prime minister will be required to reach the opening of the evidentiary phase in his trial • However, he is exempt from hearing the testimony of the CEO of "Walla!"
Former Ilan Yeshua
Netanyahu in court
Photo:
Reuven Castro - Archive
At a hearing in the Jerusalem District Court held today (Thursday), it was decided to partially respond to the prosecution's request and oblige Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach the opening of the evidentiary phase of his trial.
At the same time, Netanyahu is exempt from hearing the testimony of former Walla! Ilan Yeshua CEO. Netanyahu will have to stay only for the opening speech.
Earlier, the State Attorney's Office expressed opposition to Netanyahu's request not to be present at the beginning of the evidentiary phase.
"The accuser believes that there is a real reason for the defendant's presence in the opening speech, which is the opening status of the entire prosecution case, both in terms of the defendant's implicitness and in terms of the appearance of justice," the prosecution said in a statement.
Evidence phase begins: Netanyahu in Jerusalem court // Archive photo: Reuters
Prime Minister's attorneys sought to exempt him from attending the testimony of salvation "because the prime minister had no contact with Ilan Yeshua, and in any case his presence does not contribute to the discussion in any way."
Netanyahu's former defense attorney, Adv. Micha Petman, earlier referred to his request not to attend the upcoming hearings: "The prime minister has nothing to do during most of this trial in the courtroom. He does not know or meet most of the witnesses."