Israel’s State Attorney opposes Netanyahu’s request to delay testimony in his corruption trial

JERUSALEM

Israel’s State Attorney has opposed a request by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone his testimony in his corruption trial, according to Israeli media on Tuesday.

The Israeli premier requested the court on Monday to delay his testimony for some 80 days citing preoccupation with the current conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

But the State Attorney’s Office told the Jerusalem District Court that it opposes Netanyahu’s request to postpone his appearance.

The office argued that Netanyahu had been given enough time by the court to prepare for the testimony.

According to Haaretz newspaper, the court will discuss Netanyahu's request and issue a decision on Wednesday.

Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The Israeli premier, however, denied any wrongdoing.

Netanyahu is scheduled to testify before the court on Dec. 2.The first court session of Netanyahu's corruption trial was held on May 24, 2020.

According to Israeli law, the trial does not require Netanyahu to resign from his position unless the Supreme Court convicts him, a decision that could take several months to be reached.

Israel has continued its deadly offensive in the Gaza Strip since a Hamas attack last year, killing more than 43,600 people, mostly women and children.

The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching deadly strikes across the country in an escalation from year-long cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of the Gaza war.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala