Protests Erupt Over Possible Plea Deal For Netanyahu

Haaretz reports:

Hundreds of people protested on Saturday night in front of the home of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in Petah Tikva against the prospect of a plea deal for former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the three cases against him.

The demonstration was organized by protest movements “Inquiry Now” and “Crime Minister.” The protesters called to “investigate the AG” and called Mandelblit “The Netanyahu family consigliere.” MKs Michal Rosin and Mossi Raz of Meretz attended the demonstration.

The Associated Press reports:

The deal, which could be signed as early as this week, could usher Netanyahu off the Israeli political stage for years, paving the way for a leadership race in his Likud party and shaking up Israeli politics. Any deal could spare Netanyahu an embarrassing and protracted trial over an issue that has gripped the nation and risks tarnishing his legacy.

“The man who worked to destroy the public’s trust in the foundations of democracy for personal reasons is not eligible for deals,” Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz tweeted. He was referring to Netanyahu’s attempts after he was indicted to cast doubt on Israel’s justice system, saying it was biased and pursuing a witch hunt against him.

Groups of people who used to protest outside the Prime Minister’s Residence during @netanyahu‘s tenure have returned to protest outside the home of Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit due to reports of an approaching plea deal for Netanyahu.@Gil_Hoffmanhttps://t.co/DFuQJvZ9YM

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 15, 2022