Full Breakdown
Netanyahu’s Criminal Trial Moves to a Five-Day Weekly Schedule
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Accelerated Trial Schedule
The Jerusalem District Court has ordered that the ongoing criminal trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be heard five days a week—Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—in an effort to advance the six-year-old case before presiding Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman retires. The court’s directive came despite objections from both the prosecution and the defense, and it also required the defense to prepare replacement witnesses to avoid cancellations. Judge Friedman-Feldman is slated to retire in March 2028 upon reaching the mandatory age of 70.
Legal Background
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust, while Arnon “Noni” Mozes, publisher of *Yediot Aharonot*, is charged with offering and promising a bribe. The case, known as “Case 2000,” alleges that Netanyahu discussed a deal with Mozes to secure favorable media coverage in exchange for actions that could weaken the newspaper’s rival, *Israel Hayom*. Both defendants deny wrongdoing.
Key Developments and Timeline
- Sunday (date not specified) – The trial entered the new five-day schedule.
- October 28, 2025 (scheduled) – Netanyahu arrived at the Tel Aviv district court before beginning his testimony.
- October 11 (scheduled) – Former attorney-general Avichai Mandelblit is set to testify.
- October 18 (scheduled) – Mandelblit will continue his testimony, with additional sessions slated for October 18-22.
- October 27 (scheduled) – Israeli national election; Mandelblit’s testimony occurs in the weeks leading up to this vote.
Charges and Witnesses
Former Labor MK Eitan Cabel testified on the Sunday of the schedule change, recounting his role in legislation that would have limited the free distribution of *Israel Hayom*. Cabel’s earlier questioning under caution did not result in charges. Netanyahu’s own testimony, completed in June after 98 hearings over roughly 18 months, was the first witness account; the court is now hearing additional witnesses called by the defense.
Future Proceedings
The court aims to complete the remaining evidence phase, followed by closing arguments and a written verdict before Judge Friedman-Feldman’s retirement. Mandelblit’s upcoming testimony, scheduled for early to mid-October, will take place in the final weeks before the October 27 election, and the court has declined to postpone these sessions. The trial’s accelerated timetable underscores the judiciary’s intent to resolve the case while the political landscape remains in flux.