Former AG Mandelblit to Testify in Netanyahu Trial Days Before Election

Avichai Mandelblit, the former Attorney General who indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to testify as a defense witness in Netanyahu's trial next week. The timing, just days before Israel's 26th Knesset elections, is described as "dreamy" for Netanyahu by legal professionals. Mandelblit's testimony is crucial for the defense, especially after the prosecution chose not to call him as a witness. Netanyahu's lawyers may even seek to have him declared a prosecution witness for a more in-depth cross-examination.

Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on January 28, 2020, while the Prime Minister was in Washington D.C. for the presentation of the "Deal of the Century." Legal experts like Zion Amir question the timing of the indictment, suggesting it was politically motivated. Amir plans to question Mandelblit about his motivations, including a recorded statement where Mandelblit allegedly said he was being "held by the throat."

Raz Nazri, former Senior Deputy to the Attorney General, acknowledges that Mandelblit's testimony could be significant in clarifying the investigation's approvals and Mandelblit's own reservations. He admits that some decisions, like proceeding with the bribery charge in Case 4000 and Case 2000, were "serious professional mistakes" that have harmed the justice system and the state. Nazri also notes that Mandelblit will likely be questioned about internal protocols from 2016 detailing discussions with police investigators, which were recently made public.

Member of Knesset Moshe Saada claims Mandelblit was aware of alleged misconduct during the investigations, including interference by the Police Commissioner and pressure to secure convictions against Netanyahu. Saada asserts that Mandelblit failed in his role as a gatekeeper, knowing about these issues but not acting decisively. He also suggests Mandelblit attempted to reach a plea deal late in his term, but prosecutors were determined to see Netanyahu imprisoned.

Amir believes Mandelblit has no easy way out of his testimony, as telling the truth could be damaging, and lying would be equally problematic. He emphasizes the need for a culture of accountability within the legal system, stating that a failure to admit mistakes in real-time leads to accusations of corruption and erodes public trust.