Netanyahu, Elovitches Press Attorney General on Case 4000 Bribery Charge

Lawyers for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shaul and Iris Elovitch formally asked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to state whether prosecutors will withdraw the bribery charge in Case 4000. The defense told the Jerusalem District Court that continued uncertainty would hinder preparations for a September 6 hearing on the defense case and a possible five-day weekly trial schedule from October. The judges reiterated on June 29 that evidentiary difficulties remain and that prosecutors should consider dropping the charge. Defense lawyers said a withdrawal could eliminate the need for numerous witnesses; the attorney general has not yet announced a decision.