[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister of Israel who stepped down after 12 years in power, has proposed 'retirement from politics' as a bargaining chip in plea deal negotiations amid his corruption trial. Having lost immunity due to losing his official position and facing testimony from close aides that prove his guilt, he is cornered with criminal punishment inevitable.
On the 16th (local time), US ABC News and others reported, citing sources, that Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, is attempting to reduce his sentence through a 'plea bargain' if he admits guilt.
According to sources familiar with the trial, Netanyahu's side is negotiating with prosecutors, offering retirement from politics as a condition for a reduced sentence.
Netanyahu, who leads the opposition Likud party, has not confirmed the plea bargain efforts, but sources say negotiations are expected to conclude within this week.
Netanyahu was indicted in November 2019 on charges including bribery, breach of trust, and fraud while serving as prime minister. After stepping down in June last year and losing immunity, he has made a last-ditch effort to avoid criminal punishment by proposing retirement from politics.
ABC News reported, "Depending on the outcome of these negotiations, which could conclude as early as this week, Netanyahu's leadership?already challenged within his own Likud party?and the entire Israeli political landscape could be shaken."
Netanyahu served four consecutive terms, ruling for 12 years and 2 months, setting the record for the longest-serving prime minister since Israel's founding. Including his first term from 1996, he has been in power for over 15 years.
Following the Arab Spring, amid Middle East turmoil and threats from Iran, Israel demanded strong leadership rather than peace. Standing firm against US pressure and responding aggressively to Palestine, his support base solidified.
However, fatigue from long-term rule and power struggles led Likud to fail in forming a coalition despite becoming the largest party in the March general election last year. Meanwhile, parties with differing views united under an 'anti-Netanyahu' banner and succeeded in regime change.
Meanwhile, the government is strongly opposing Netanyahu's plea bargain attempt, calling it a violation of Israeli judicial justice.
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz tweeted, "Former Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently denied the corruption investigation as a witch hunt and claimed the Israeli judicial system is biased. A person who has undermined public trust in the foundations of democracy for personal reasons cannot be the subject of a plea bargain."
Public opinion is worsening as protesters opposing the plea bargain gathered and staged a sit-in in front of the Justice Minister's residence the previous evening.
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