Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a request to limit his testimony to two non-consecutive days a week, and for fewer total hours, Israeli state broadcaster KAN reported on Wednesday.
Netanyahu, in his request, added that he has a "busy schedule" due to security meetings and contact with officials abroad, KAN reported. He also wants to speak to judges behind closed doors at the beginning of his testimony.
Several of Israel's major news outlets submitted a request to the High Court of Justice that Netanyahu's testimony be broadcast live, but the court rejected the request.
Netanyahu requested that his testimony days not be consecutive and that they take place between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., contrasting the current situation where the hearing days in the case take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Walla reported.
The court administration has decided to recommend to the judges on the panel in Netanyahu's cases to move the venue for his testimony to the Tel Aviv District Court.
The prime minister is standing trial for three cases of fraud and breach of trust, and one case of bribery. In the first, known as Case 1000, he is suspected of providing regulatory and other benefits to billionaire Arnon Milchan, after receiving hundreds of thousands of shekels worth of expensive cigars and champagne, along with other gifts.
In the second one, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu is suspected of proposing a deal to Yediot Aharonot owner Arnon (Noni) Mozes, whereby he would target Yediot’s main competitor, Israel Hayom, in exchange for positive coverage.
In the third case, known as Case 4000, Netanyahu is suspected of providing Shaul Elovitch, major shareholder of a number of communications and media companies including Bezek, with regulatory benefits in exchange for positive coverage from Walla, which Elovitch also owned. In this case, Netanyahu was indicted for bribery on top of fraud and breach of trust.
Eliav Breuer contributed to this report.