Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is nearing one of the most perilous stages of his long-running corruption trial — the cross-examination, a process that may determine whether he remains in power, negotiates a political exit, or faces a prison sentence.
اضافة اعلان
After a prolonged and controversial testimony that extended far beyond initial estimates, Netanyahu is expected to conclude his direct testimony by next Wednesday, with the cross-examination by the prosecution beginning two days later, potentially lasting 9 to 14 months, through mid-2026.
The Stakes: Three Possible Outcomes
Legal analysts and political observers agree that Netanyahu now faces three possible outcomes:
Conviction and Prison: If the prosecution succeeds in undermining his credibility and proving wrongdoing.
Plea Deal and Political Exit: A revival of a previously offered deal that would see him leave politics in exchange for avoiding prison, possibly without admitting to bribery.
Legal and Political Maneuvering to Avoid Both: Exploiting political alliances, legislative changes, or geopolitical crises to derail or delay proceedings.
Cross-Examination: A Turning Point
The cross-examination is intended to expose contradictions in Netanyahu’s version of events and test his credibility under pressure. Legal experts, including columnist Anna Braschi (Maariv), note that even seasoned political figures often falter during this phase.
Netanyahu's delaying tactics — citing security threats and governmental duties — have frustrated the judges. His legal team successfully reduced his courtroom appearances and postponed several sessions, prompting speculation that further delays through external crises, like escalating war in Gaza or new elections, may be attempted.
The Charges: Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000
Netanyahu faces three major corruption cases:
Case 1000: Accused of receiving expensive gifts from wealthy benefactors.
Case 2000: Allegedly negotiated favorable media coverage with a newspaper publisher.
Case 4000: The most serious, involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, centered on regulatory favors to Bezeq telecom in exchange for positive coverage on its news site Walla.
A Complex Cross-Examination Strategy
The process will unfold in three main phases:
Defense cross-examines Shaul Elovitch, ex-owner of Bezeq and Walla, a central figure in Case 4000.
Defense cross-examines Iris Elovitch, his wife, implicated in the same case.
Prosecutors begin their full cross-examination of Netanyahu, expected to last three times longer than his six-month testimony.
Prosecutors will aim to:
Highlight inconsistencies and implausibilities
Counter vague or evasive responses like “I don’t remember”
Prevent further delays under the pretext of state duties
The Shadow of a Plea Deal
A plea bargain — once negotiated in 2022 but abandoned over disagreements regarding “moral turpitude” and political exile — has resurfaced. President Isaac Herzog recently hinted at revisiting such an arrangement to avoid deepening national divisions.
Former proposals involved Netanyahu admitting to lesser charges and stepping away from politics, without facing prison. Legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara has stated such a deal would be contingent on his complete withdrawal from public life.
Domestic and International Pressure
There’s growing speculation of a U.S.-backed deal that could help resolve the trial discreetly, particularly if it serves broader regional interests. Commentator Esmat Mansour suggests Netanyahu could use the timing of a plea deal to avoid humiliation while framing himself as a political martyr.
However, Netanyahu’s allies warn that once cross-examination begins, a deal may no longer be viable due to reputational damage and a more aggressive prosecution stance.
Legislative Armor: The “Incapacitation” Law
Parallel to legal defense, Netanyahu has been pushing legislative changes to shield himself. These include:
The Incapacitation Law, limiting the conditions under which a PM can be removed.
Reforms to the judicial appointments committee
Splitting the Attorney General’s powers — weakening prosecution independence
While these efforts may delay proceedings, they’ve drawn criticism for undermining judicial independence and serving personal political survival.
Internal Party Turmoil and Public Mood
Netanyahu’s extended legal battle is reshaping internal dynamics within the Likud Party, which is set to hold primaries in November 2025. There’s growing unease among Likud ranks about whether Netanyahu’s personal trials may cost them future elections.
Braschi and other analysts note that even staunch supporters now question his continued leadership, particularly as Israel’s domestic polarization deepens and the Gaza war drags on.
Netanyahu’s Calculated Gamble
Despite the risk, Netanyahu may still hope to ride out the legal storm until his term ends in December 2026, banking on:
Delaying court rulings until a potential re-election
Using geopolitical gains (such as action against Iran) to bolster his standing
Cementing legal protections under parliamentary immunity
But as legal experts warn, once cross-examination begins, the margin for maneuvering narrows dramatically. If the prosecution lands decisive blows, Netanyahu could face conviction, disgrace, and the end of his political career.
