Israeli Prosecutors Surprised as Judges Signal Collapse of Bribery Charge Against Netanyahu in Case 4000

Prosecutors expressed surprise on Monday at the judges' stance in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, indicating that the bribery charge in Case 4000 (the Bezeq-Walla affair) has effectively collapsed and Netanyahu will not be convicted on that count. Senior prosecution officials noted they had never encountered such a definitive judicial position in a criminal trial before its conclusion. Despite earlier warnings from the judges three years ago to drop the bribery charge, prosecutors felt Netanyahu's cross-examination testimony over the past year had strengthened the bribery elements and intent required for conviction.

While the bribery charge appears untenable, prosecutors acknowledge that Netanyahu still faces significant chances of conviction on fraud and breach of trust charges in this and other cases, which could lead to imprisonment and political disqualification. However, the judges' rejection of the bribery charge carries substantial public and media impact, benefiting Netanyahu, especially as the election campaign has already begun and involves judicial issues.

In the coming days, the prosecution and the State Attorney's Office will deliberate on how to proceed and whether to respond to the judges' ruling. It is uncertain if they will reconsider the case strategy, but a thorough review of Netanyahu's cross-examination versus the prosecution's position on bribery will occur. The possibility of a plea bargain, as previously approved by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara at President Isaac Herzog's request, remains on the table, although Netanyahu has not responded to the president's overture.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin criticized the prosecution's handling of the case, stating that law enforcement had nine years to gather evidence for the bribery charge but failed despite exhaustive efforts. Levin called for an end to what he described as a miscarriage of justice and urged either a pardon or dismissal of the trial to prevent further damage to the legal system's reputation and public trust. He framed the judges' decision as a final opportunity for law enforcement leaders to restore some dignity to the system and reduce harm to Israel's institutions.