The hearing schedule is expected to become more intensive as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial enters a new phase. Maariv reported that defense witnesses and the other defendants in the case will be heard after the nearly 100-day defense phase was completed.
The defendants are expected to take the stand one by one at hearings scheduled to take place at the Jerusalem District Court. The judges have exempted Netanyahu from the obligation to attend the hearings.
The trial is expected to be accelerated with hearings planned for four days this week. Holding hearings five days a week in October would be an unprecedented pace for a trial in Israel.
Facing charges in three cases
Netanyahu is on trial in three separate corruption cases known as “1000,” “2000” and “4000” on charges of bribery, fraud and abuse of office.
The proceedings were adjourned in June because of the summer recess in Israeli courts.