Attorney Lior Katz Claims Political Motives Behind Netanyahu's Criminal Case

Attorney Lior Katz alleges that the legal proceedings against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were driven by political considerations rather than a genuine pursuit of truth. Katz argues that the indictment in Case 4000 was filed negligently, with investigators exceeding their guidelines, and that the entire system aimed to remove Netanyahu from office. He claims the bribery charge, which initiated the investigation, does not actually exist.

Katz states that the real culprits are individuals within the State Prosecutor's Office who acted with a political agenda, believing Netanyahu could not be defeated democratically because the public leans right-wing. Therefore, they allegedly fabricated an unprecedented and baseless case to oust him. He emphasizes that while hundreds were involved in the investigation, the core conspiracy involved about twenty prosecutors.

Regarding Case 4000, Katz points out that prosecutors included 315 articles in the indictment to claim favorable coverage of Netanyahu in exchange for regulatory benefits to Shaul Elovitch, owner of the Walla news site. However, Katz says most articles were hostile, with Netanyahu compared to notorious dictators. Judges have repeatedly stated there was no bribery in this case, yet prosecutors refuse to back down.

Katz believes prosecutors expected Netanyahu to be intimidated by the indictment and seek a plea deal, not to insist on testifying. He credits investigative efforts that meticulously dismantled the prosecution's claims. Katz also accuses police investigators of violating legal restrictions by questioning witnesses on forbidden topics and coercing testimony through threats.

He describes a coordinated effort involving police, prosecutors, and legal advisors to invest hundreds of millions of shekels and cause political chaos by repeatedly forcing Netanyahu to appear in court. Katz concludes that the indictment targets not only Netanyahu but the entire right-wing camp, aiming to prevent their electoral success. He identifies the entire law enforcement system, from investigators to police chiefs and prosecutors, as responsible for this campaign against Netanyahu.