Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is set to begin consultations ahead of a mediation initiative proposed by President Isaac Herzog regarding a possible plea deal in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial. Although she previously rejected mediation, she is now expected to respond to the president's request to explore the option. The mediation would be conducted by a specially trained judge and could proceed alongside the trial in an effort to bridge significant gaps between the prosecution and the defense.

Baharav-Miara has consistently opposed mediation, arguing in 2023 that it would unnecessarily delay proceedings and that any plea discussions should occur directly between Netanyahu's lawyers and prosecutors. The trial has continued slowly due to security concerns and procedural delays. Herzog's initiative is seen as an attempt to potentially avoid or postpone a presidential pardon decision.

The main obstacle remains the wide divide between the sides. Prosecutors insist that any plea deal must include a finding of moral turpitude, which would bar Netanyahu from public office for years. Netanyahu, 76, rejects this condition, arguing it would violate his right and that of his supporters to political participation. He also refuses to admit wrongdoing or express remorse, a basic requirement for any plea agreement.

In the most serious case, involving alleged regulatory benefits for a telecommunications company in exchange for favorable media coverage, judges have hinted that the bribery charge may be weakening, though prosecutors maintain their case has been strengthened. Even if bribery were dropped, the prosecution is expected to demand that fraud and breach of trust remain. As political tensions rise and judicial reforms advance, Baharav-Miara is poised to play a decisive role in determining whether mediation can move forward or the trial will continue.