Netanyahu Refuses Plea Deal in Corruption Cases

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to end his trial in corruption cases through a plea deal, stressing that such an agreement is impossible, during remarks to reporters from Haredi media outlets, as reported by the local religious radio station Kol Barama on Tuesday. Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust that could lead to imprisonment if convicted; he denies them and accuses investigators of pressuring witnesses and falsifying texts. Since 2024 he has also faced a request to appear before the International Criminal Court over accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war in Gaza. On the Iranian file, he claimed there are indications that Iran and its proxies may seek to challenge Israel before the general election scheduled for October 27.