Former prime minister and Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu published a video on Monday where he vowed to remain leader of the Likud party, stressing that he did not agree to the "moral turpitude" clause of a proposed plea deal with the State Attorney's Office.
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A moral turpitude clause would have prevented Netanyahu from running for office for seven years.
In his first public comments regarding the plea deal, Netanyahu rejected media reports that he agreed to the moral turpitude clause.
"Dear and beloved citizens of Israel, in recent days you have proven once again that I do not walk alone, and that millions of you walk with me. You moved me greatly. I will continue to lead the Likud and the national camp to lead the State of Israel – on your behalf."
"The entire public sees what is happening in court and how the investigation against me was conducted. It is enough to close the cases against me right now, but it has not happened yet. In recent days, false allegations have been made in the media about things I allegedly agreed to, such as the claim I agreed to admit to moral turpitude. This is not correct," he added.
The Likud chairman added: "Your mobilization and tremendous support has warmed my heart and the hearts of my family members and it gives me more strength to continue to lead you and fight for our path, truth and justice."
Netanyahu is on trial in Jerusalem District Court on charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.
Channel 12 News reported that the State Attorney's Office sent a message to Netanyahu's attorneys that a plea deal is possible only with the next attorney general and not with Avichai Mendelblit, whose term ends next week.
According to various reports, Mendelblit would not agree to a deal without the moral turpitude clause.
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