In a conversation published Thursday by Makor Rishon, retired Supreme Court President Judge Aharon Barak expressed his approval of a negotiated resolution that would put an end to Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s ongoing trial.
“I am in favor of an agreement with Netanyahu. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pardon or a plea bargain, the important thing is that we reach an agreement. This could lead to calm. I don’t know why this isn’t happening. If it were up to me, I would make an effort to reach an agreement,” Barak stated, emphasizing that his priority is national stability rather than the specific legal mechanism.
Barak also voiced concern over President Donald Trump’s recent remarks urging Israel to dismiss the case against Netanyahu, calling the intervention inappropriate. He said Trump’s involvement was “very troubling.”
Meanwhile, individuals close to President Isaac Herzog revealed that he, too, had previously advocated for resolving Netanyahu’s legal issues through a plea deal.
The sources added that Herzog believes time is of the essence and that serious discussions should begin immediately to find a solution that prioritizes the nation’s well-being, in line with what the judiciary has recommended. They further noted that any move toward a presidential pardon would have to be initiated by Netanyahu himself.
{Matzav.com Israel}