Israel's Knesset to hold preliminary vote on bill to cancel Netanyahu’s corruption trial

The proposed law that could lead to the cancellation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial will be brought today (Sunday) for approval by the Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation. If approved, it will proceed to a preliminary vote in the Knesset plenum.

The wording of the proposal states, “At any time after the filing of an indictment and before the verdict, the Knesset Committee may, by a written and reasoned notice to the court, suspend the legal proceedings against the prime minister or a government minister, if it deems it necessary.”

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara strongly opposed the proposal stating, “This bill allows political considerations to infiltrate the criminal process. It is a personal law designed to shield the prime minister from the reach of justice. It undermines the foundations of the democratic system, is unconstitutional, and must not advance.”

In her legal opinion, Baharav-Miara wrote, “The proposed arrangement would cause profound and fundamental harm to a range of core principles and basic rights in a democratic regime. This includes harm to the separation of powers, the independence of law enforcement and the judiciary, the integrity of criminal proceedings, the rule of law, and the right to equality before the law.”

Over the past week, the political initiative aimed at canceling Netanyahu’s trial – in which the prime minister is charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust – has gained momentum. Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced the advancement of legislative proposals that would, in effect, enable the trial’s cancellation or suspension.

The possibility of a presidential pardon – mentioned by U.S. President Donald Trump during his speech in the Knesset – is not currently on the table, nor is a plea bargain. The reason: both require Netanyahu’s initiative and an admission of guilt. Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s circle has not ruled out the idea entirely, likely to keep it alive in public discourse.

In a letter sent last week to President Isaac Herzog and signed by all Likud ministers, the ministers called on the president to pardon Netanyahu: “The key to initiating a process of healing and unity lies in your hands. The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brought about a tremendous victory over our enemies. Leaders around the world stand in awe of the historic and unprecedented leadership of the Prime Minister of Israel. He is loved and admired among all members of the national-faithful camp.”

They continued, “Regrettably, it is now clear to everyone that as long as his trial continues – a festering wound in the body of Israeli society – there will be no unity in Israel. Without dwelling on divisions, it can at least be said that now, years after the investigations and the trial began, the stew has spoiled. It stirs discord and strife and has long since lost its significance.”

Under current law, the only way to halt the ongoing trial – which is proceeding slowly amid repeated cancellations of hearings – is by suspending legal proceedings, a step that would require action by the attorney general. Baharav-Miara has made it clear she does not intend to suspend the proceedings against Netanyahu. However, within the government, efforts continue to advance plans to replace her.