Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies on Investigations, Approvals in Netanyahu Trial

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that "serious actions were taken that I did not approve in hindsight" and that he once canceled an investigation that "infuriated me." Mandelblit addressed questions from Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, regarding the approval of investigative actions, particularly concerning state witnesses. He acknowledged that "improper things were done regarding state witnesses" but expressed discomfort with the term "illegal." Mandelblit confirmed he was unaware of the pressures exerted on state witness Nir Hefetz and that he had a discussion about the "improper" nature of an operation involving Hefetz's associate, stating, "I thought it was improper and wrong." He instructed investigators not to meet with witnesses or question them directly but to rely on documents.

Regarding specific actions, Mandelblit revealed that he had canceled an investigative operation that "infuriated" him, which involved placing a surveillance listening post near Netanyahu confidant Nathan A'sh. He stated that he was told nothing relevant to the trial was heard and demanded the operation cease unless it directly connected to offenses. Mandelblit also clarified that while he did not approve every action, he expected major operations to be brought to his attention due to the case's sensitivity. He denied remembering any instance where a search warrant was used for a different purpose than stated or that he was aware of wiretaps in the case, nor did he know about the Pegasus spyware system.

Prime Minister Netanyahu entered the courtroom during Mandelblit's testimony, remarking, "The truth is coming to light." Other notable figures present included Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and former Israel Bar Association chairman Efi Naveh. MK Tali Gottlieb also attended and shouted at Mandelblit upon his arrival. Mandelblit recounted an incident where a journalist aggressively approached him outside the courthouse before his testimony, which he found disturbing.

Earlier, Mandelblit had stated he did not identify any suspicion against Netanyahu in the submarine affair, thus not opening an investigation against him. Lawyer Haddad suggested that in the submarine case, the Attorney General ordered one thing while the police did another. Mandelblit also mentioned reading relevant online articles to prepare for his testimony and denied speaking with current or former prosecution officials about the case beforehand.