Overview
- President Isaac Herzog’s office invited Netanyahu’s lawyers and state prosecutors to talks at the President’s Residence, with the request issued Tuesday and replies due by Sunday.
- Herzog’s legal adviser Michal Tsuk-Shafir said participation is voluntary and non-prejudicial, and she asked both sides to enter with good faith and no preconditions.
- Herzog framed the talks as a step that must be tried before he considers Netanyahu’s clemency request.
- There has been no public response yet from Netanyahu’s team or the prosecution to the invitation.
- A separate court decision rejected Netanyahu’s bid to delay the start of his testimony, keeping the hearing on schedule as his trial on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust continues and as he maintains his denial of the charges.