Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit’s decision to indict him on Nov. 21 “an attempted coup,” urging the investigators to be investigated.
Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu criticized Mandelblit for making his decision during the “most sensitive time politically since the establishment of the state.”
Currently, Israel is on the brink of its third round of elections if the Knesset doesn’t form a coalition in 21 days.
“This is an attempted overthrow of a prime minister [with a] biased investigation,” Netanyahu said. “Indictment publicized faster than ever at the most sensitive timing. The recommendation was also published a few weeks before the last election.”
He accused the investigators of “inventing new crimes” and “selective enforcement on steroids. It’s enforcement just for me.” He advocated for an independent commission to investigate the investigators.
“I cannot believe that the country I fought for and was wounded for, that I’ve brought to such achievements, that in this country, in its democracy, there will be this kind of tainted justice, of selective enforcement,” Netanyahu said. “I won’t let the lie win. I will continue to lead this country with devotion. For this country, for the rule of law, for justice, we have to do one thing: to finally investigate the investigators.”
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases. Case 1000 involves Netanyahu allegedly providing favor to wealthy supporters in return for gifts. Cases 2000 and 4000 involve Netanyahu allegedly using regulations to empower specific news outlets in exchange for more favorable coverage.
Mandelblit said in his announcement of the indictment that his decision wasn’t political. “We’re not infallible or above criticism,” he said. “But we acted without fear or prejudice, for the rule of law.”
Daily Wire Editor-In-Chief and Journal columnist Ben Shapiro explained in a Twitter thread that Netanyahu’s indictment opens up a whole new set of possibilities for Israel’s political future.
(1) Netanyahu applies to the Supreme Court to have his trial take place while he is PM, which means it takes place in Jerusalem and he is likely fined but not jailed. Perhaps he pleads out and retires.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
(2) Netanyahu applies to the Supreme Court and is rejected, removed from office, and tried in Tel Aviv. This likely means a prison sentence.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
(3) Likud holds a primary and Netanyahu wins; this is accompanied by either (1) or (2).
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
(4) Likud holds a primary and someone else wins; Netanyahu is out, and this is followed by a trial in Tel Aviv. This also likely results in a coalition government with Blue and White.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
(5) Likud holds no primary, the 21-day final negotiation expires, and we go to new elections. During that period, any of the four prior possibilities could happen.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
(6) A top member of Likud leads a walkout in lieu of a primary, and joins Blue and White in a new unity government. This is followed by Netanyahu being ousted and tried in Tel Aviv.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
(7) The religious parties walk over to Blue and White and form a coalition without Yair Lapid’s faction or Avigdor Liberman’s party. This is the least likely option. In any case, this is a total mess. And where it goes from here is literally anyone’s guess.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) November 21, 2019
Journal Senior Political Editor Shmuel Rosner wrote, “For the first time in Israel’s history a sitting Prime Minister will be indicted for charges as serious as bribery. No matter the final outcome of this sorry affair, today is a sad day.”
