Ex-AG Mandelblit to Testify for Netanyahu Defense Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will testify for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defense team in his trial, just before upcoming elections. Mandelblit approved Netanyahu's indictment and will face questions on Case 4000, which has evidentiary issues. The defense aims to leverage the testimony for political gain ahead of the vote.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit will testify for Benjamin Netanyahu's defense team.
- Mandelblit approved Netanyahu's indictment and will be questioned on Case 4000.
- The testimony is scheduled just days before upcoming elections.
- The defense aims to use the testimony for political benefit.
- Mandelblit previously decided against bribery charges in Cases 1000 and 2000.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who approved the investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the indictment against him, is scheduled to testify for the defense just days before elections. Netanyahu's legal team is expected to confront Mandelblit with questions regarding the investigations, particularly Case 4000, in a move that could resonate politically.
Mandelblit was the one who ultimately decided not to file bribery charges in Cases 1000 (gifts) and 2000 (conversations with Noni Mozes and Netanyahu), opting instead for fraud and breach of trust charges. This decision differed from the view of former State Attorney Shai Nitzan regarding these cases. During the trial, Mandelblit also engaged in unsuccessful plea bargain negotiations with Netanyahu.
The defense's strategy is believed to involve questioning Mandelblit about his approval of the Prime Minister's investigation and his stance on Case 4000, which the judges have reportedly found to have significant evidentiary challenges. The timing of the testimony, shortly before the elections, is likely a political calculation by the defense, aiming to generate significant media attention that could benefit Netanyahu.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Left 1Centre 7Right 7Haredi 3Arab 1Other 4
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.