Defense and Finance Ministers Demand Cancellation of Netanyahu's Corruption Trial After Judges Question Bribery Charge

Following a dramatic statement by judges regarding the problematic bribery charge in Case 4000, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Kitz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have called for the immediate cancellation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial. Kitz stated on social media that after years of what he described as a baseless trial and political persecution, the judges have once again urged the prosecution and legal advisors to drop the central bribery charge against Netanyahu. He added that the trial must be stopped immediately and those responsible for the indictment should be held accountable.

Earlier, Smotrich criticized the long-running legal proceedings against Netanyahu, calling them a "witch hunt" rather than a pursuit of justice. He accused the investigative and prosecutorial systems of corruption and causing significant harm to Israeli society and the state, warning that those responsible will eventually face consequences.

The judges at the Jerusalem District Court issued a sharp rebuke to the prosecution, signaling clearly their demand to drop the bribery charge against Netanyahu. They reaffirmed their June 2023 position after hearing Netanyahu’s testimony, emphasizing that new evidence did not alter their view that the bribery allegation lacks sufficient proof. The judges had previously met privately with prosecution and defense representatives, expressing serious evidentiary concerns and recommending the dismissal of the bribery charge, a recommendation rejected by the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the prosecution.

This judicial stance significantly undermines the prosecution’s case and intensifies calls from government ministers to end the trial, highlighting ongoing tensions between the judiciary and political leadership in Israel.