Netanyahu Slams "Fit-Up" Trial, Warns Iran in First Comments
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first public comments on his corruption trial, accused the justice system of a "governmental coup" and a "political hunt" based on a "fit-up" indictment. He criticized former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's testimony and warned Iran and Hezbollah against attacking Israel. Netanyahu also reiterated his stance on Haredi conscription and highlighted his partnership with President Donald Trump.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called his corruption trial a "fit-up" and a "political hunt" by law enforcement.
- Netanyahu criticized former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's testimony regarding his corruption case.
- The Prime Minister issued strong warnings to Iran and Hezbollah against attacking Israel.
- Netanyahu emphasized his partnership with President Donald Trump to counter the Iranian threat.
- He reiterated his call for Haredi men not studying Torah to enlist in the IDF.
- Netanyahu accused the opposition of trying to "steal elections" through legal maneuvers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a special interview with Ido Tauber on Channel 14's "Midday News," responded for the first time to recent developments in his corruption trial, particularly the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. Netanyahu vehemently accused the law enforcement system of attempting a "governmental coup" through what he described as a "fit-up" indictment. He highlighted Mandelblit's testimony, which indicated uncertainty about approving the bribery clause in Case 4000 and signing documents with a scanned signature without deep review.
Netanyahu asserted that the investigation was driven by ulterior motives and characterized it as a "political hunt" aimed at removing an elected prime minister through illegitimate means. He criticized the legal initiatives proposed by opposition figures, such as Avigdor Lieberman, suggesting they aim to steal elections by granting the Attorney General the power to disqualify candidates. He urged the public to vote for Likud to prevent this.
In the interview, conducted shortly before his departure to the northern border, Netanyahu issued strong warnings to Iran and Hezbollah against attacking Israel, promising a "huge" response. He emphasized the importance of the partnership with the Trump administration, noting Trump's call to "remove the Iranian threat once and for all" and his endorsement of Netanyahu to achieve this.
Regarding the contentious issue of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription, Netanyahu stated his firm position that those not engaged in Torah study must serve in the army. He contrasted this with a proposed bill by the "left bloc" that would only draft 5,000 Haredim, claiming they offer full exemptions in exchange for Netanyahu's downfall. He urged voters to support him and Trump to complete their work, referencing a two-year window of opportunity.
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