Former Deputy Attorney General Raz Nazri Calls for Netanyahu’s Trial to End with Plea Agreement
In an interview last Thursday evening, former Deputy Attorney General Raz Nazri voiced his opinion regarding Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s ongoing trial. Nazri stated that “Netanyahu’s trial must end with a plea agreement; there must be an end to the travesty.” He further expressed his concern about the potential disqualification of Netanyahu due to a conflict of interest violation, saying, “I don’t think it is right for the court to determine who will be the prime minister; it is dangerous for democracy.”
Nazri also commented on the decision of the High Court of Justice to discuss a petition calling for Netanyahu’s disqualification with an expanded panel. He warned against politicizing legal decisions, stating, “The right must not think that they are engineering the law through politics. On the other hand, even the left should understand that it is impossible to engineer politics through the law.” Nazri emphasized that the law should not be used as a tool for manipulating political systems.
Regarding the conflict of interest settlement, Nazri called for a dialogue between Netanyahu and the ombudsman, Gali Beharev Miara. He stressed the importance of upholding the law and addressing the economic, social, and security implications involved.
Nazri also shared his views on a bill to reduce the probable cause, stating that while corrections and changes to the legal system are necessary, extreme solutions should be avoided. He used an analogy to explain his reservations about the bill, saying that if a goat is brought into a house for too long, it can cause irreparable damage. He cautioned against adopting legislation that could potentially harm the legal system.
In addition, Nazri criticized the slander discourse against jurists by the coalition, labeling it as dangerous. He emphasized the need to reduce subjectivity in decision-making and expressed his disagreement with the government firing officials due to disagreements. Nazri called for a constructive approach that preserves the legal system while implementing necessary changes.
When asked if Netanyahu should enter into a plea deal, Nazri stated that certain cases may warrant an indictment, but both the prosecution and defense have an interest in resolving the trial. He suggested that ending the trial as soon as possible would be in the state’s best interest.
Nazri also commented on the judges’ decision to cancel the bribery section in Case 4000, stating that judges expressing their opinions should not be seen as something terrible. He emphasized the importance of trust in the judicial system and advocated for finding balanced positions for reform.
In concluding his remarks, Nazri warned against one-sided victories or the suppression of protests, emphasizing the need to respect democratic principles. He urged all parties to seek compromise and avoid deepening polarization within the country.
As the trial against Prime Minister Netanyahu continues, opinions from legal experts like Raz Nazri shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the case. The call for a plea agreement and a constructive dialogue between stakeholders demonstrates the complexity and importance of reaching a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and democracy.