Israeli ex-PM’s charges could be reduced for service

Special desk

A deal could end corruption trials for the former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.An agreement could see Netanyahu, plead guilty to reduced charges in return for community service instead of a probable jail term. Reports say 72,-year-old Netanyahu is, objecting to accepting a charge which would require him to leave politics.

Israel’s longest serving leader, for a record 15 years, was unseated after elections last year. He is head of the right-wing Likud, the largest party in the Israeli parliament.

In his last five years in office Netanyahu was dogged by a police investigation into allegations against him, followed by the start of his trial in 2020. The former PM is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He denies the charges against him, saying they are politically motivated.

Reports that Netanyahu has been discussing a plea deal with Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit emerged in Israeli media in recent days. Israeli media say former PM has instructed his lawyers to continue the talks despite reported objections of his family to the prospect that he would accept a level of guilt.

In the three cases against him, Netanyahu is accused of receiving gifts in exchange for favours, negotiating to improve the circulation of an Israeli newspaper in exchange for positive coverage, and promoting legislation financially favourable to the owner of an Israeli telecom giant in exchange for positive coverage on its news site. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt”.

Charges against him include fraud and breach of trust. This case concerns the prime minister’s relationship with two businessmen — Arnon Milchan, an Israeli Hollywood film producer, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire.

In a document summarising the indictment, Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit alleged that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, received various goods from the businessmen, mainly cigar boxes and cases of champagne.