Legal commentators: Prosecution refusal to drop bribery charge in Case 4000 would aim for a Supreme Court appeal

Two legal commentators assessed Monday that if the State Attorney's Office refuses to withdraw the bribery charge against Benjamin Netanyahu in Case 4000, the prosecution would likely pursue a Supreme Court appeal. Avishai Grintzaig called such a move 'delusional' given the age of the figures involved and the decade-old events, while Beni Ashkenazi noted the judges' recommendation is significant because it follows Netanyahu's testimony and signals the panel does not believe bribery occurred.

Two legal commentators added their assessments Monday afternoon as debate intensifies over the panel of judges in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Case 4000 trial, who reaffirmed their recommendation to drop the bribery charge — a stance first taken in June 2023 and restated after Netanyahu completed his testimony.

Beni Ashkenazi argued the recommendation is especially significant because it comes after Netanyahu finished testifying, signaling the judges do not believe the bribery charge in Case 4000 is substantiated. Avishai Grintzaig argued that if the State Attorney's Office refuses to withdraw the bribery charge, the prosecution would be aiming for a Supreme Court appeal — a move he called 'delusional' given the age of Netanyahu and Shaul Elovitch and the fact the underlying events concluded a decade and a half ago.

These assessments follow a series of political and legal reactions throughout the day, including sharp criticism from Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, MK Moshe Saada, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, as well as an on-air attack from commentator Mati Tuchfeld against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The attorney general and the prosecution have not yet publicly signaled whether they will accept the judges' recommendation.

2 developments

1. 14:20 · 29 JunLatest

   Beni Ashkenazi notes judges' recommendation follows Netanyahu's testimony, signaling no bribery occurred.

2. 12:49 · 29 Jun

   Legal commentator: If prosecution refuses to drop bribery charge against Netanyahu, appeal to Supreme Court would be 'delusional'

• Strong17:43 · 29 JunSenior prosecution source says judges' recommendation to drop bribery charge in Case 4000 'requires a recalculation'
• Strong11:11 · 22 JulNetanyahu and Elovitch defense attorneys demand AG respond to judges' proposal to consider dropping bribery charge
• Strong19:38 · 29 JunPanel judges in Case 4000: 'The bribery charge must be dropped,' attorney Kastel says
• Developing08:27 · 30 JunAriel Kahana: Weakness of bribery charge in Case 4000 was clear from the start

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