Israeli Judges Reaffirm Recommendation to Drop Bribery Charge Against Netanyahu in Case 4000

In a dramatic development in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, the judges have once again recommended that the prosecution withdraw the bribery charge in Case 4000. This reaffirmation came after Netanyahu completed his testimony and cross-examination. Earlier on Monday, following arguments from both sides about the judges' decision to accelerate the trial pace to five days a week, the court took a recess. Upon returning, the judges reiterated their position from exactly three years ago, stating that significant difficulties remain in proving the bribery offense in the indictment. They had previously suggested that the state consider dropping this charge due to these evidentiary challenges.

The court reporter Netael Bendel noted that despite the judges' initial recommendation, the Attorney General and prosecution refused to withdraw the bribery charge, insisting they would prove it during Netanyahu's cross-examination. However, with the judges maintaining their stance, it implies that the prosecution's attempt to revive the bribery charge during cross-examination has failed, and no further opportunity remains to prove it. This reaffirmation coincided with the court hearing on Monday regarding the number of trial days per week, where both defense and prosecution opposed the acceleration to five days weekly. The judges' repeated recommendation could significantly shorten the trial duration.