Overview
- The three-judge panel reiterated that evidence for the Case 4000 bribery charge remains weak and returned to a recommendation first voiced in 2023 that prosecutors consider removing that count.
- The court has accelerated hearings to a five-day week to speed the process and to allow the presiding judge time to complete a written verdict before her planned retirement.
- Netanyahu and his lead lawyer oppose the change, arguing the intensified schedule is unmanageable and would prevent the defense from preparing witnesses and cross‑examinations properly.
- Legal commentators and some lawyers warn the timetable will effectively force work on the Jewish Sabbath and raise pressing attorneys’ rights and religious‑accommodation concerns.
- Political allies of Netanyahu hailed the judges’ remarks as vindication while the prosecution has yet to say how it will respond, leaving the immediate questions of whether the bribery count will be dropped and how the schedule will be applied unresolved.