Israel Bar Head Calls Netanyahu Trial Defense a 'Media Circus'
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Amit Bachar, head of the Israel Bar Association, described the defense in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial as a "media circus" lacking legal substance. Bachar criticized the summoning of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, stating it was unusual and would not affect the trial. He argued the defense's focus on minor issues showed a lack of strong arguments against Mandelblit's testimony. Bachar's prior criticism of Netanyahu was for alleged harm to democracy, not the current trial.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel Bar Association head Amit Bachar called the defense in Benjamin Netanyahu's trial a "media circus."
- Bachar criticized the summoning of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit as unusual and legally insignificant.
- He stated the defense's focus on minor issues indicates a lack of strong arguments against Mandelblit.
- Bachar's past criticism of Netanyahu concerned alleged harm to democracy, not the current trial.
- He noted the Supreme Court's actions have benefited citizens facing legal issues.
Amit Bachar, the head of the Israel Bar Association, has criticized the defense strategy in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a "pre-arranged media circus" that lacks substantive legal arguments. Bachar specifically addressed the summoning of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit to testify, stating it was an unusual and unacceptable procedure that would not impact the trial's outcome.
Bachar argued that the defense's focus on "esoteric matters" indicates a lack of genuine ammunition against Mandelblit's testimony. He asserted that the prosecution's narrative, which has been leaked to the press, has been refuted by Mandelblit's confirmation of his approval for the indictment.
He further elaborated that his past criticism of Netanyahu was related to his leadership of a coalition that allegedly harmed democratic foundations during the "regime overhaul" period, not his ongoing trial. Bachar emphasized that once a trial begins, the focus should be on legal proceedings, not on accusations of a "deep state" or "enemies of the state" pursuing the accused.
Bachar also commented on the legal system, noting that while the Knesset and politicians, including Netanyahu, failed to address issues concerning citizens facing legal problems, the Supreme Court's judicial decisions, such as disqualifying statements, represented a progressive move for the average citizen and the rule of law.
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