Judge hearing Netanyahu corruption case killed in road accident

Judge Beni Sagi, who was presiding over corruption cases against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has died in a road accident.

Judge Sagi had been hearing the long-running corruption proceedings against Netanyahu for an extended period.

According to The Times of Israel, the accident occurred on Route 6 when Judge Sagi was travelling and was fatally struck by a vehicle.

Police said the vehicle had been travelling off-road before suddenly entering the highway, where it collided with Judge Sagi’s motorcycle.

The incident took place on 4 January in the Beersheba district.

Emergency medical teams and paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after the accident was reported.

Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, said medical personnel who witnessed the scene described the incident as shocking.

Judge Beni Sagi had been overseeing the corruption cases against Netanyahu, which have been under trial for several years.

Following Judge Sagi’s death, the case is expected to be affected, with concerns raised over possible delays in the proceedings.

Netanyahu had previously submitted a request for a presidential pardon; however, the judge’s death has heightened concern within political and legal circles. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.