The image of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the judges who presided over his corruption case must bear the image of Monday.
The trap of Netanyahu standing in the dock will be used by his two rulers, who want to portray him as a corrupt politician, and his supporters who want to represent him as a victim. a true cabal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at Jerusalem District Court for his lawsuit on corruption charges
(Photo: Reuven Cassuto)
Netanyahu appeared in court Monday to respond to allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He was not guilty, he told the judges.
The fact that today ‘s session was held at all despite attempts by the prime minister and his lawyers to cancel it shows that Israel’ s judicial system is still working.
The court hearing addressed complaints made by Netanyahu’s defense team about procedural issues related to the legality of some of the investigations conducted, which will keep the judging panel busy throughout the trial.
The allegation appears negligent and even arrogant in procedural matters, skipping the need for written consent to investigate some cases, while defense teams closely monitor all T and a dot of each I.
So far, it appears that no evidence has been presented that would lead to the case against Netanyahu falling apart, but it may not be easy to put these issues aside.
Such conduct on the side of the accuser surprises the chances of a consistent Joe, who cannot afford the high-priced lawyers defending Netanyahu, when he stands .
Liat Ben-Ari, chief prosecutor in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption case, arrives in court
(Photo: Shalom Shalev)
The argument about when witnesses should be heard is strengthened by the March elections.
The judges expressed their awareness of the impact that would have kept Netanyahu away from his duty while the country was embroiled in a health crisis and the Prime Minister allowed the proceedings. leave and.
They can rule to adjourn hearings once they have decided on the issues ahead. There will be a problem with public opinion on the call for witnesses in the days leading up to the elections.
Conversely, voters who have been aware of the allegations against the prime minister for the past three rounds of elections may decide to support or vote against him, accordingly.
Anti-Netanyahu protesters outside Jerusalem District Court at hearing in prime minister’s lawsuit on corruption allegations
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
But on the other hand, hearing witnesses on the stand as they testify to Netanyahu ‘s alleged crimes day after day may be a step too far and the judging panel is well aware of the that danger.
This is not a run of mill lawsuit. Netanyahu is a solemn defender who knows all the political and legal tricks in the book.
It often challenges the legitimacy of the legal system. It destroys public confidence in its judges and rule and announces the formation of a coalition that provides law that passes the courts and gives it the protection it seeks.
His political alliance, United Judaism leader Torah Moshe Gafni, announced that his party would enter into a coalition in the future only if both sides promise to pass such laws. in action.
United Judaism Leader Torah Moshe Gafni
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
The Prime Minister himself will demand such a promise from future partners if he were the one who formed the next government and is likely to get such a move from other political parties.
After Monday ‘s hearing, it is clear that the battle between those who want a country of laws that sees all citizens as equal and those who would actively work for a system of judgment is limited and which would take Netanyahu away from justice.