IDF Judges Reverse Bribery Charge Against Netanyahu Following Defense Manipulation

The bribery charge against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Case 4000 has been dropped by the judges, a decision that has sparked controversy and raised questions about the judicial process. The bribery allegation was considered difficult to prove, as it relied on circumstantial evidence rather than direct proof of Netanyahu’s intent to receive a bribe from Shaul Elovitch, the second defendant. Elovitch’s case, however, is supported by stronger evidence, including WhatsApp messages linking his economic interests to editorial decisions at the Walla news site.

Judges had indicated their skepticism about the bribery charge as early as three years ago, before the prosecution completed presenting its evidence. This premature stance undermined the credibility of the trial and the value of cross-examinations, especially since Elovitch had not yet undergone cross-examination. The judges’ ambiguous position on whether the withdrawal of the bribery charge applied to Elovitch or only Netanyahu has caused confusion and potential harm to Elovitch’s defense.

The defense attorney for Netanyahu, Amit Hadad, played a key role in influencing the judges by exaggerating the number of defense witnesses and warning that the trial could extend until 2028, pressuring the court to reconsider the bribery charge. Despite this, dropping the bribery charge will not shorten the trial, as Netanyahu still faces three counts of breach of trust, which require thorough defense.

Former Walla editor Yinon Magal testified that there was unusual responsiveness to Netanyahu’s interests at Walla, supporting the prosecution’s claim of corruption. The article criticizes the judges for their flawed management of the trial, including allowing prolonged and excessive cross-examinations and failing to maintain strict courtroom discipline.

The piece concludes by urging the Attorney General not to withdraw the bribery charge and calls for the judges to conduct the trial more rigorously and fairly, without granting undue privileges to Netanyahu. It stresses the importance of hearing all prosecution and defense witnesses fully before making a final ruling on the bribery allegation.