Berlin: The Israeli government plans to introduce a bill on Monday to reconsider the corruption charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, local media reported. The government intends to present the bill for a vote at the opening of the Knesset's winter session, which begins this evening following a three-month recess.
According to Anadolu Agency, the move aims to appoint a state attorney to replace the current legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, potentially paving the way for a review of the corruption charges against Netanyahu. The bill is slated for a vote in the Knesset next Wednesday. Baharav-Miara has consistently opposed halting Netanyahu's corruption trial, and she does not plan to suspend the proceedings despite the government's efforts to reduce her authority or replace her through legal amendments.
The ruling coalition partners, including Likud, Religious Zionism, and Jewish Power, are working to persuade the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism to end their boycott of the vote. This boycott stems from disagreements over the Haredi conscription bill, and the coalition hopes to secure their support for the new legislation.
Last week, former US President Donald Trump called during a speech at the Knesset for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon from the corruption charges. However, Israeli law requires Netanyahu to admit guilt before receiving a presidential pardon, which he has refused to do in any of the cases.
Netanyahu began interrogation sessions in January related to charges in cases 1000, 2000, and 4000, all of which he denies. Case 1000 involves accepting expensive gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for favors. Case 2000 concerns alleged negotiations with Arnon Mozes for positive media coverage. Case 4000, considered the most serious, involves providing facilitation to Shaul Elovitch in return for favorable media coverage.
Netanyahu's trial, which began on May 24, 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli leader has taken the stand as a criminal defendant. He also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over atrocities in Gaza, where over 68,000 people have been killed since October 2023.