Netanyahu Faces Intense Legal Pressure: Between Imprisonment and Political Exit
Recent reports from Hebrew media indicate that in the corruption case of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former prime minister, an option based on a “plea deal and judicial settlement” rather than a presidential pardon is under consideration; a path that, if finalized, could lead to his withdrawal from political life.
According to the Walla website, this initiative enjoys the support of Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president. Herzog’s office stated that reaching an agreement between the parties is considered a “proper and appropriate solution” and that all judicial settlement possibilities must be fully exhausted before considering any pardon requests.
Informed sources have said that the idea of “criminal mediation” was previously raised but failed due to opposition from the Attorney General. However, this plan has resurfaced in judicial circles and the presidential institution, with discussions even naming potential judges to lead the mediation process, provided all parties agree.
Based on published information, this process could proceed unofficially alongside ongoing court sessions. In such a scenario, an independent judge would be tasked with reconciling the views of the prosecution and defense teams.
Nevertheless, the time factor is one of the main challenges of this option, as criminal mediation requires a comprehensive and renewed review of the case, which could be time-consuming. Furthermore, several legal bodies, including the Cabinet Legal Advisor, have approached this path with caution.
Simultaneously, it is expected that Netanyahu’s testimony and interrogation phase will conclude in the coming weeks, which reduces the time pressure for submitting a pardon request. Alongside this, the “plea agreement” option remains on the table; reports suggest this deal could involve accepting reduced charges, without imprisonment, in exchange for his political resignation.
If such an agreement is reached, one prominent scenario is Netanyahu’s complete exit from political activity. Otherwise, he could face a legal designation known as an “ethical stain;” a status that could legally bar him from candidacy for the Knesset (Israeli parliament) for up to seven years.
In judicial practice, such agreements are usually aimed at avoiding prison sentences and result in lighter penalties like fines or suspended sentences. Within this framework, Netanyahu’s political fate depends more than anything on his decision to continue or quit political life.
