Tel Aviv, 24 February (HS): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells the judges in his trial that Israel is in the midst of a “historic turning point” that affects the very existence of the country, in comments regarding his request to reduce the number of hearings in his criminal trial from three a week to two.

“We are at a historical turning point. We are discussing issues that are the very foundation of our existence,” the prime minister tells the judges.

“There is a change in circumstances that has implications for our existence, for the future of the country,” he continues, in reference to questions from the judges about his request that the defense minister be present in a hearing to discuss his appeal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar