Israeli Judges Consider Summoning Top Legal Advisor in Netanyahu Bribery Case

Presiding Judge Oded Shaham indicated that the court had already been considering this step independently before the defense made its formal request, remarking that the defense may have kicked down an open door. While Elovitch's defense suggested holding the discussion with Baharav-Miara behind closed doors, the State Prosecution raised strong objections. Prosecutor Nitzan Volcan questioned the legal basis for summoning the current Attorney General to an informal meeting, prompting Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman to counter that many unusual things are happening in this trial.

The potential summons is linked to the ongoing proceedings, including Case 1000 and the bribery charges in Case 4000. According to Vesty, the court has twice suggested that the prosecution drop the bribery charges in Case 4000, a matter on which Baharav-Miara has not yet formally presented a position. Judge Shaham emphasized that because the Attorney General holds ultimate responsibility for the case, a direct dialogue could help find a way forward given the complexities of the trial, though no official decision to summon her has been finalized.