In a weekend column, Israel Hayom commentator Ariel Kahana argues that after judges clarified they will not convict Prime Minister Netanyahu on bribery, his wife Sara should remove her opposition to President Herzog's mediation proposal. Kahana writes that the prime minister's legal position has improved, making a deal more favorable, and that the mediation could also benefit him politically before elections. The prime minister has not yet responded to the president's offer, made over two months ago.
This morning, Israel Hayom commentator Ariel Kahana published a column arguing that Sara Netanyahu should now support President Isaac Herzog's mediation proposal for the prime minister's trial. The column references the judges' recent clarification that they will not convict Netanyahu on the bribery charge in Case 4000 — a development The Zioneer reported on July 5. Kahana contends that the clarification has strengthened Netanyahu's negotiating position, making a mediated settlement more favorable than when the offer was first made over two months ago.
The mediation proposal, initiated by President Herzog, received a positive response from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara but has not yet been answered by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Defense lawyer Amit Hadad reportedly supports the move, while Sara Netanyahu has been opposed. Kahana now argues that the changed circumstances require her to drop that opposition, noting that participating in the dialogue before elections could also provide political benefits.
The prime minister's ultimate decision remains unclear, and the president has kept the offer open. The outcome of any mediation, if it proceeds, would depend on the parties' willingness to reach an agreement. The Zioneer will continue to monitor developments.
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