Mon Sep 23 21:43:13 UTC 2024: ## State Requests Supreme Court Dismiss Petition Seeking Netanyahu’s Medical Records

**JERUSALEM** – The Israeli government has requested the Supreme Court dismiss a petition demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclose his medical condition. In a preliminary response filed on Monday, the state argued that developments since the petition was filed six months ago have rendered the original request irrelevant.

The petition was filed by healthcare professionals, Labor Party MK Naama Lazimi, families of victims from the Nova Music Festival massacre, and survivors of Kibbutz Beeri. They sought not only the disclosure of Netanyahu’s medical status but also the establishment of permanent procedures for the medical treatment protocol for future prime ministers.

The petitioners argued that the process for disclosing Netanyahu’s condition in 2023 was inadequate and that Netanyahu has never submitted his medical report in accordance with legal procedures.

The state countered by highlighting the qualifications and experience of Dr. Herman Berkovich, the Prime Minister’s chief medical officer, who has been treating Netanyahu for decades. They asserted that Dr. Berkovich’s appointment adheres to current procedures and that his close relationship with the Prime Minister is irrelevant to the doctor-patient relationship.

Furthermore, the state pointed out that Prof. Alon Pikarsky, head of the surgical department at Hadassah-University Medical Center, was chosen by Dr. Berkovich to serve as his deputy. His appointment was recommended by the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, with the consent of the Director General of the Health Ministry.

The state’s response emphasizes that the current procedures regarding the Prime Minister’s medical team do not specify specific areas of expertise for the chief medical officer, only requiring a senior physician practicing medicine who is available at all hours.

The case is now awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to dismiss the petition or proceed with further hearings.

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