Israeli Judges Maintain Position to Drop Bribery Charge Against Netanyahu in Case 4000

The judicial panel presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial reiterated on Monday their stance from three years ago, recommending the removal of the bribery charge in Case 4000. Initially, the judges expressed doubts about proving bribery and suggested the prosecution withdraw the charge. However, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the prosecution refused, asserting they could prove bribery during Netanyahu's cross-examination. Now that the cross-examination phase has concluded, the judges confirmed their original position remains unchanged, indicating the prosecution's attempt to revive the bribery charge has failed due to insufficient evidence.

During a hearing on expanding trial days, Netanyahu's defense attorney Amit Hadad noted that if the bribery charge were dropped, the defense could reduce the number of witnesses. After a recess, the judges announced their decision to uphold their previous recommendation. The judges did not elaborate on the evidentiary difficulties but the defense successfully challenged key prosecution claims, including the timing and existence of a critical "directive meeting" and the credibility of state witness Shlomo Filber, who retracted earlier testimony suggesting Netanyahu directed actions benefiting Shaul Elovitch.

The prosecution theoretically could still attempt to convince the judges during closing arguments, but with no new evidence or witnesses, their chances appear slim. The judges also did not address the related charge of breach of trust, which depends on proving the bribery allegations. The bribery charge against Elovitch was not discussed, and the judges have not clarified whether they intend to acquit both defendants or if Elovitch might still be convicted independently. The prosecution is not obligated to respond to the judges' statement but may choose to do so.

This development marks a significant moment in the high-profile corruption trial, potentially signaling the end of the bribery charge against Netanyahu unless the prosecution can present compelling arguments in the final phase. The case remains complex, with intertwined allegations of bribery and breach of trust linked to Netanyahu's relationship with Elovitch and the coverage on the Walla news site.