Netanyahu announces: no plea bargain, staying in politics
Opposition leader Member of Knesset (MK)Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he will continue to lead the Likud party and stay in politics, amid reports of contacts for a plea deal in his trial.
Benjamin Netanyahu, chairman of The Likud party, during a meeting at the Knesset. Jerusalem, Oct 25, 2021. Photo by Shalev Shalom/TPS
Netanyahu is currently facing charges in court in Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000, alleging bribery, breach of trust, and fraud. Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit, who filed the indictment against Netanyahu, is set to leave office at the end of the month, and therefore both sides are under pressure to finalize a plea deal they have reportedly been negotiating.
One crucial issue in disagreement is a clause that would force Netanyahu to leave politics. Mandelblit is reportedly demanding that the deal include a disgrace clause that would ban Netanyahu from running for office in the next seven years, while Netanyahu is seeking to avoid this.
However, Netanyahu addressed Israelis through social media and stated that “in recent days you have proven once again that I am not marching alone, and that millions of you are marching with me. You moved me greatly. I will continue to lead the Likud and the national camp to lead the State of Israel.”
Thousands of Israelis have donated NIS 3.9 million to support Netanyahu’s legal battle. Under the banner “Netanyahu – you will never march alone,” some 28,660 Israelis donated sums ranging from NIS 18 to NIS 5,000, including Likud members and politicians from other political parties.
Netanyahu said that “the entire public sees what is happening in court and how the investigation against me was conducted. That was enough to close the cases against me right now, but it has not happened yet. In recent days, erroneous allegations have been made in the media about things I allegedly agreed to, such as the allegation that I agreed to disgrace. This is simply not true.”
“Your mobilization and tremendous support has warmed my heart and the hearts of my family members and it gives me more strength to continue to lead you and fight for our path, truth and justice,” he added.
His statement put an end to political rumbling within the Likud party as several members commenced with their moves toward the leadership of the party.
MK Amir Ohana tweeted: “Returning, with all the power in the engines. Proud of you”.
MK Keti Shitrit wrote: “Thank you for not breaking! Together we will overthrow this evil and dangerous government and return to lead the country with pride and confidence. In the name of God, we will act and succeed. ”
MK Eli Cohen tweeted: “We have one goal – not to replace Netanyahu but to replace the government.”
MK Shlomo Karhi said that he voted for Netanyahu “and I will continue to choose him and strengthen him, on his common front as the arrowhead of the national camp, along with millions of other Israeli citizens, until the formation of a right-wing government headed by him soon.”
that man has done more for isreal than anyone has.hes allways protected the country from terroist capitol of the world iran.and the palostinians hammas.
In the name of G-d, Bibi, I daven that you will succeed!