Ex-AG Mandelblit's Testimony in Netanyahu Trial Sparks Controversy
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will testify next week in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with activists hoping his testimony will weaken the case. Lawyer Tzion Amir questioned Mandelblit's past statements and decisions, particularly regarding the bribery charges. In 2020, former State Attorney Shai Nitzan denied forcing Mandelblit to indict Netanyahu, calling such claims absurd.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will testify in the Netanyahu corruption trial next week.
- Lawyer Tzion Amir questioned Mandelblit's past statements and decisions regarding the bribery charges.
- Amir asked Mandelblit who "had him by the throat" and why he filed indictments.
- Activists expect Mandelblit's testimony to lead to the dismissal of most charges against Netanyahu.
- Former State Attorney Shai Nitzan previously denied forcing Mandelblit to indict Netanyahu.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is set to testify next week in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many right-wing activists anticipate his testimony will lead to the dismissal of most charges against Netanyahu. Lawyer Tzion Amir commented on the upcoming testimony, suggesting it is key to understanding Mandelblit's process. Amir noted Mandelblit's initial stance that he would not file an indictment without bribery, yet he eventually did. He pointed out that three judges, after hearing the prosecution's case, stated there was no bribery and the case should be dismissed.
Amir directly addressed Mandelblit, questioning his past statement, "The maniac has me by the throat." He asked who this person was, why they were holding him, what they wanted, and if Mandelblit felt pressured or "surrendered" to anything. Amir emphasized the importance of exploring these questions to understand Mandelblit's decision-making process.
Amir also posed a direct question to Mandelblit regarding his initial condition for indictment: "If you said that if there is no bribery you will not file an indictment at all, and in the end there is no bribery, then what is your opinion, Mr. Attorney General of the State of Israel?!"
Separately, former State Attorney Shai Nitzan addressed claims from 2020 that he forced Mandelblit to indict Netanyahu. Nitzan denied these allegations, stating, "I didn't hold anyone by the throat, the claim is absurd." He described the accusations as a "campaign of delegitimization and bizarre conspiracy theories."
