Netanyahu indictment looms, but high stakes drag out decision
More than the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rides on the decision of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit: public trust in the legal system, not to mention his own career.
A very hot potato will land on the desk of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the next few days: two police investigations. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px 'Times New Roman'; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 18.0px} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px 'Times New Roman'; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none} The so-called Case 1000 concerns gifts accepted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Case 2000 concerns conversations between Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes about positive media coverage.
When it comes to Case 1000, at least, the summary of the investigation will lead to a single, decisive conclusion: Netanyahu must be indicted for bribery. Deliberations over Case 2000 are still underway, and it is possible that he will be indicted for a less serious crime.
Regardless, the fate of Netanyahu and the stability of the entire Israeli political system will fall squarely on the shoulders of the former major general and chief military advocate general who also served as Cabinet secretary. His decisions will shape the inevitable wars over succession and the face of Israel in the years to come.
It appears the burden may be more than this one man can bear. For over a year, demonstrations have been calling on him to expedite the Netanyahu investigations and make his decision. On Jan. 20, a small group of demonstrators appeared outside the synagogue where Mandelblit, who became religious late in life and now observes an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle, was worshipping. The incident prevented Mandelblit from reciting the Kaddish prayer for his mother, who died a few weeks ago.
