Israeli Judges Consider Summoning Top Legal Advisor in Netanyahu Bribery Case

Attorneys for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shaul Elovitch have requested that the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, be summoned to discuss the future of Case 4000, specifically the bribery charges.

In response, the judges indicated they had already considered such a step but were met with objections from the prosecution. Prosecutor Nitzan Volcan expressed surprise at the suggestion, questioning the basis for summoning the current Legal Advisor. Presiding Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman countered that "many unusual things are happening in this case," suggesting the advisor could be called.

Judge Oded Shaham supported considering the request, emphasizing the Legal Advisor's ultimate responsibility for the case. He suggested that a direct dialogue might be necessary for a substantive discussion, acknowledging the defense might be approaching an open door as the court had previously contemplated the idea. Shaham clarified that the goal is to find a way forward given the case's complexities and developments, stating no decision had been made yet.

Prosecutor Volcan agreed that the Legal Advisor holds overall responsibility and that all communications are relayed. However, Judge Shaham expressed a preference for a more direct form of dialogue. The court has previously indicated to the prosecution that it should drop the bribery charges in Case 4000, having twice suggested the absence of bribery and proposing the charge's removal. Legal Advisor Baharav-Miara has not yet presented a position on this matter. Earlier, judges had urged mediation, but Baharav-Miara declined, instead suggesting the defense could propose a plea deal.