On Sunday, Shas leader Aryeh Deri added his voice to a call from other coalition party leaders, urging Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to delay Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, which is set to start this week. Deri’s appeal emphasized the need for a postponement due to the ongoing security challenges and the immense pressure on the Prime Minister, arguing that “there is a duty to go beyond the norm” and allow for a delay, potentially spreading the testimony over a longer timeframe.
In his letter, Deri pointed out his own extensive participation in high-level security meetings since October 7, including on Shabbos due to urgent matters of pikuach nefesh. He further noted that “just in the past week, significant developments have occurred in the security and diplomatic arenas,” some of which are still classified.
He went on to assert, “This is a critical time for the State of Israel, one of the most pivotal periods we’ve known,” stressing that the Prime Minister must devote his full attention to Israel’s national security at this crucial moment.
Deri’s letter also highlighted Netanyahu’s ongoing efforts, saying the Prime Minister is “wisely and responsibly steering the ship of the State of Israel on the southern and northern fronts—against Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, as well as threats from Yemen, Iran, and Iraq.”
Deri emphasized that “all this is done with great prudence and a comprehensive vision, aimed at one goal—the protection, advancement, and fortification of the State of Israel against all its enemies and those who seek its harm.”
He concluded, “Just as pikuach nefesh overrides Shabbos, the preservation of many lives can and should override a trial,” and added, “There are moments when it is imperative to act beyond the letter of the law, and this is such a moment, as lives hang in the balance.”
Deri urged the Attorney General to ensure that the relevant prosecutors “seriously and carefully” consider his request, pointing out that “this is a time for bold decisions—both for the government and the state’s leadership, as well as for the State Attorney’s Office.”
The Jerusalem District Court judges had previously ruled that Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial would begin this week at the Tel Aviv District Court.
The change in location from Yerushalayim to Tel Aviv was made following a recommendation from security officials. Earlier in November, Netanyahu’s defense team had requested a delay of two and a half months for the trial proceedings.
{Matzav.com Israel}
