Knesset Legal Advisor Responds to Speaker Ohana on Netanyahu's Testimony Coordination
The Knesset's legal advisor, Attorney Sagit Afek, has clarified that there is no legal obligation to coordinate the testimony dates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. This statement was made in response to a request from Ohana, who expressed concern over the scheduling of Netanyahu's testimony amidst significant political events, including the visit of the President of Paraguay. Afek's position, which contradicts Ohana's assertion, indicates that the practice of coordinating testimony dates with the Knesset Speaker is not customary and lacks legal basis.
Legal Context Surrounding Netanyahu's Testimony
The Prosecutor's Office has also weighed in, stating that Ohana's request for coordination is unfounded. According to Section 4(b) of the Immunity Law, once Netanyahu withdrew his immunity request in January 2020, he is treated like any other individual involved in the case. The timing of Ohana's request has raised eyebrows, particularly as it came just days before the scheduled testimony, which had been set months prior without objection. The prosecution noted that Netanyahu's late request to change the hearing date to December 12, 2024, lacked sufficient justification.
Implications of the Testimony Scheduling
The controversy over the scheduling of Netanyahu's testimony highlights the tensions within the Knesset and the legal complexities surrounding the Prime Minister's ongoing legal challenges. While Netanyahu seeks to postpone his testimony, citing the Paraguayan President's visit as a conflict, the Knesset Speaker's involvement raises questions about the separation of powers and the role of legislative leaders in judicial proceedings. As the situation develops, the implications for both Netanyahu's political future and the Knesset's operational integrity remain to be seen.
