By Dan Williams

JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is negotiating a plea deal to end his corruption case, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Sunday. However, talks are stalled over a condition which would have him removed from politics.

Netanyahu lost power after twelve consecutive years of being premier. He is now an opposition leader. The cases are being consolidated.

According to a source, Netanyahu (72) was in discussions with Avichai Mandelblit to plead guilty and receive a reduced sentence. Any resulting time spent in jail would be commuted to community work.

However, talks are stalled by Netanyahu’s demands to be exonerated from a criminal conviction with a “moral turpitude”, clause that would under Israeli law force him into politics for many more years. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to Reuters.

The State Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for comment. The State Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the matter. Netanyahu’s lawyer, who denied any wrongdoing, and charged prosecutors with a politically motivated witch hunt, didn’t immediately respond to my request.

Netanyahu has pledged to unseat Naftali Bennett, his successor. Bennett is a nationalist that straddles the line between a variety of parties.

Likud was unable to form a government in the last year due to opposition from other parties, as well as Netanyahu’s ongoing trial.

Netanyahu could theoretically be able form a new broad rightist coalition if his legal issues are over. Bennett might be barred by politics but right-wing members could form a coalition with the Likud under a new leader if he is.

Aharon Barak, a former president of the Supreme Court, promoted the idea that a plea deal could be possible.

Kan radio heard it from him. It would reduce the pressure on justice system that has been fighting for years against accusations by Netanyahu loyalists, that he wasn’t being given due process.

Netanyahu’s Likud conservative party spokesperson said that he didn’t know of any such negotiations.