It was expected that as the date of Avichai Mandelblit's retirement approached, so would the spins, assessments and speculations that a plea deal was being forged.
Netanyahu's long silence on the issue increases his preoccupation with it.
Those who are following developments with no less vigilance are senior government officials.
Signing an agreement can have far-reaching effects on the stability of the coalition.
Netanyahu's resignation from political life may lead to the fall of the current government, but to a huge victory for the camp he has been hoping for more than a decade for the disappearance of the greatest political threat to them.
Netanyahu trial: The second day for the testimony of Nir Hefetz's investigator // Photo: Yoni Rickner
Since it was decided to file the indictments against him, Netanyahu has been in the same dilemma he is in now, and in the same dilemma in which he will find himself in a few years, if there is no plea deal soon - in Mandelblit's last days in office.
To earn a happy and free life in the bosom of his family in exchange for his removal from public life?
Or endanger both with unknown trial results?
Before the trial began, a plea deal seemed distant and unattainable.
The prosecution, which was eager to file the indictment, was no less eager to conduct the trial and bring about maximum convictions in it.
Many of her seniors, led by Mandelblit, have thrown all their prestige and love at this trial.
But those days are gone.
The witnesses, who are supposed to substantiate the details of the indictment, collapse one after another.
If Netanyahu had believed that his trial was a fair trial, he would not have gone for a deal.
He has no for what.
If a few months ago it was clear to him, to Netanyahu, that in every plea deal he would have to retire, today the picture is a little different.
If he insists on a deal that will leave him - he will not surely fail.
Netanyahu and his lawyers at trial, Photo: Reuven Castro
Netanyahu is the glue of the current government.
His departure will set the parties free.
Naftali Bennett, who fulfilled his long-standing dream of the left and moved Netanyahu out of power, will be forced to vacate his place, since his current partners will no longer be needed.
From the outset, the current prime minister was considered a bridge on which to step in to achieve their goal.
Were we wrong?
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