Netanyahu gets partial delay for testimony; cease-fire decision expected in hours
As the Jerusalem District Court decided to delay Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial by one week only, reports say a deal with Lebanon is imminent.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will testify Dec. 10 instead of Dec. 2, the Jerusalem District Court ruled on Tuesday, accepting only partially the request submitted Sunday by the premier's legal team to delay his appearance in court by 15 days.
The ruling comes against the backdrop of an imminent agreement to be reached between Israel and Lebanon on the retreat of Hezbollah from the south of the country to the northern bank of the Litani River. According to Israeli press, the cabinet is expected to convene Tuesday afternoon to approve the US-mediated deal.
Ben Caspit reported on Monday for Al-Monitor that with the court reluctant to delay Netanyahu’s testimony, and with most diplomatic and security obstacles removed, Netanyahu was likely to accept a deal.
The Netanyahu trial opened in May 2020 and charges him in three cases. In the first, Case 1000, Netanyahu is suspected of unlawfully receiving gifts from billionaire Arnon Milchan. The second is Case 2000, in which Netanyahu is suspected of plotting with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes to receive positive coverage in the press. The third is Case 4000, in which the Israeli premier is suspected of unethical ties with communication magnate Shaul Elovitch.
The state prosecution finished its presentation to the court in August. It is unclear at this point how much longer the trial might continue.
