In a notable development in the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Public Prosecution requested, on Tuesday, the Jerusalem District Court to hand over to him a document allegedly prepared by the Israeli internal security service, the Shin Bet, indicating that Netanyahu is unable to testify in his criminal trial, due to a potential threat to his life, as a result of fears of an Iranian attempt to harm him while he is in court.
Israeli Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu had requested to postpone his trial for two weeks, while Shin Bet head David Zinni sent a letter to the legal advisor to the court administration, warning that setting a public and lengthy date for the prime minister’s appearance, such as a testimony session, might expose him to a security risk.
In a letter to the court, the Public Prosecution stated that it had not received Zainni’s position memorandum, although it was the custom to inform it of information related to the court’s procedures, indicating that it learned of the matter through the media. She added that it was unclear whether the memo had been submitted to the court and taken into account when making the decision to cancel the testimony sessions this week, demanding that she hand over the document and confirming that any similar documents would be referred to her in the future.
On Sunday, the Jerusalem District Court agreed to cancel three sessions dedicated to Netanyahu’s testimony during the current week, but the prosecution explained that the decision was based on another memorandum related to the general security and diplomatic situation in the region against the backdrop of the recent escalation with Iran.
It is noteworthy that “Netanyahu” denies the charges against him of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which were filed against him in 2019, thus becoming the first Israeli prime minister in office to face criminal charges. His trial began in 2020, but witnessed repeated postponements due to his official obligations and repeated requests for postponement.
These developments come in the context of a tense political and security climate inside Israel, with elections scheduled for October approaching, and the position of Netanyahu’s coalition declining in some opinion polls. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is also studying a request for a pardon submitted by Netanyahu, amid pressure from figures in the ruling coalition and from US President Donald Trump to grant him a pardon.
