Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri Accuses Government Legal Adviser of Political Persecution in Netanyahu Case

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party and member of the Knesset, sharply criticized the Israeli government legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, on Monday. His attack followed a judicial panel's decision in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, which recommended the state prosecution drop the bribery charge in Case 4000 after Netanyahu's cross-examination concluded.

Deri accused Baharav-Miara of political persecution and undermining public trust in the judicial system. He described her as an "anarchist" who continues to pursue a political vendetta despite the judges' repeated calls to remove the bribery charge. Deri stated that in any functioning democracy, she would have been immediately dismissed, but accused her of acting as the de facto opposition leader, allowing her to operate without restraint.

This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between Netanyahu's supporters and the legal establishment amid the high-profile corruption trial. Deri's comments reflect broader political disputes over the judiciary's role and impartiality in Israel. The case remains a focal point of national debate as the legal process continues.