Israeli Judges Question Corruption Charges Against Netanyahu Ahead of Prosecutor's Review

The judges presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial have reiterated doubts about the bribery charges in Case 4000, raising significant questions that will soon be addressed by the Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara. A meeting with the State Prosecutor and the prosecution team is expected, although no date has been set yet. The key issue is how to interpret the judges' remarks and their implications for the continuation of the trial.

Netanyahu's defense has insisted that if the bribery charge is not dropped, they will call all defense witnesses. Given the current pace of the trial, this could extend proceedings until March 2028, when the lead judge is set to retire, potentially prolonging the trial beyond eight years. This lengthy timeline is believed to influence upcoming legal decisions.

Recent developments have made a plea bargain less likely. The judges indicated they might expedite hearings on the "defense of justice" claim, which could lead to dismissal of charges if procedural flaws are found. Netanyahu's incentives for a plea deal have diminished, and the Attorney General has shown little willingness to pursue such an agreement.

Regarding the possibility of a presidential pardon, it is considered unlikely that President Isaac Herzog will decide on this matter before the upcoming elections. If the elections result in no clear winner, the pardon issue may resurface as part of broader efforts by Herzog to form a government and resolve longstanding political disputes.

The judges' unusual statements and the trial's slow progress are central to the legal and political strategies unfolding around Netanyahu's case, with significant decisions pending from the Attorney General and potential political ramifications after the elections.