The Netanyahu trial

Wants to get the goods for free: behind the scenes of contacts between Netanyahu and the State Attorney's Office

After it was revealed that the former prime minister was trying to reach a deal, it now turns out that the secret call channel still exists and the door has not been slammed shut by either party.

At the moment, the gaps seem large: Netanyahu is willing to admit to a maximum of 2 offenses, and he demands that no disgrace be imposed on him.

However, the State Attorney's Office is not prepared for such a scenario

Ben Mercury

13/01/2022

Thursday, 13 January 2022, 09:24

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In the video: The third day of the testimony of Nir Schwartz, Nir Hefetz's researcher (Walla!)

Contrary to countless past statements, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in recent weeks had secret contacts with Attorney General Mandelblit and the top prosecutors in an effort to reach a plea deal - this was revealed this week on the Maariv Online website.

Both sides made a secret effort, and the number of secret partners in the contacts was limited.

Netanyahu knows that the premature leak of contacts could put him in an awkward position in front of his supporters, to whom he reaffirms that "there will be nothing because there is nothing" and that he has an intention to fight for his innocence and prove it in court.

Netanyahu's bureau did not respond to the news throughout the day yesterday.

The State Attorney's Office stated that "as a matter of policy, we do not respond to conversations with defense attorneys and this does not confirm or deny the news."

As far as is known, the discreet call channel still exists and the door has not been slammed shut by either party.

At the moment, the gaps seem large: Netanyahu is willing to admit to one offense, maybe two, of breach of trust.

He demands that no disgrace be imposed on him.

The requirement means that the sentence should not even include probation or imprisonment converted to community service.

The prosecution is not ready to hear about this possibility.

More on Walla!

Under absolute confidentiality: the contacts for a plea deal between Netanyahu and the State Attorney's Office

To the full article

More on Walla!

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He has no life outside of political life.

Netanyahu in court during the testimony of Nir Hefetz (Photo: Paul, Oren Ben Hakon)

Netanyahu initiated the request for contacts, through one of his lawyers. The motivation is clear: In about two weeks, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will end his position and be replaced: in the first stage by State Attorney Amit Isman, who is known for his strict categorical approach. In the second and permanent phase, by an ombudsman to be elected by the government, led by Gideon Saar. Netanyahu knows that a new attorney general, who did not sign the indictment in the first place and has no problem with its results, will not give him the conditions The role with "clean table". Both Mandelblit and Netanyahu have enough reason to strive for a plea deal that will be acceptable to both parties. The problem is, there is no such plea deal. Mandelblit can not leave a mouse off the mountain, especially in light of the fact that he believes in cases and according to the analysis in the Ministry of Justice they are stable and resilient (although in the bribery story it is not known how the judges will decide, and so it is in any complex trial). Netanyahu, on the other hand,Strives to get out of the deal with the ability to return immediately to the political system. As with any deal to which even in his lifetime, Netanyahu is primarily interested in receiving the goods, for free.

Both Netanyahu and Mandelblit do not decide alone.

Next to Mandelblit are two powerful figures: State Attorney Isman and prosecutor Liat Ben-Ari.

Both mark the clear boundary and are unwilling to hear of a deal that would not include service work or explicit parole and disgrace.

Next to Netanyahu there are no less powerful figures.

Maybe more.

The wife and son.

They have not yet internalized the real situation of the father / husband.

They both still do not understand that Bibi on a train from which the departure stations are disappearing and the final station can, in all probability, be like Maasiyahu.

Can not leave a mouse off the mountain.

Mandelblit (Photo: Reuven Castro)

This is why the contacts still exist.

The heart refuses but the head insists.

or opisate.

Three days ago, Netanyahu arrived at the home of his lawyer, Adv. Boaz Ben-Tzur, in Ramat Hen in the evening and stayed there for long hours. It is not clear whether reaching such a solution is possible.

In the beginning, shortly after the indictment was filed, Netanyahu sent test balloons in the general direction of the State Attorney's Office in an effort to find out if "there is anything to talk about."

It turned out that there is, if the attorneys will turn in an orderly manner.

But then it became clear that the intention was to grant a pardon before a trial.

The door slammed shut and the contacts did not start at all.

Now they set out, in complete secrecy and great haste, but ran aground.

It is not clear if this abyss can be overcome.

Netanyahu looks at Aryeh Deri, who made a decision, jumped into the water and crossed the Rubicon.

But even Deri is not sure he can return to political life.

For Netanyahu, there is no life outside of political life.

How much he is missing Jacob Weinroth now.

At least he would reassure the lady.

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