Ex-AG Mandelblit Admits to Illegal Wiretaps in Netanyahu Case
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified that illegal wiretaps were conducted during the investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit admitted to ordering the cessation of certain actions due to a lack of personal suspicion and acknowledged not knowing about the Pegasus spyware in real-time. He also revealed that an investigation into improper investigative actions was not pursued to avoid harming Netanyahu's trial. The testimony included disputes over prosecution involvement in an investigative tactic against a state witness.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit admitted illegal wiretaps occurred in the Netanyahu investigations.
- Mandelblit demanded a halt to certain investigative actions due to lack of personal suspicion.
- He acknowledged not knowing about the Pegasus spyware system in real-time.
- An investigation into improper investigative actions was not pursued to avoid harming Netanyahu's trial.
- Disputes arose over prosecution involvement in an investigative tactic against state witness Nir Hefetz.
- Mandelblit testified about his anger and intervention regarding problematic investigative procedures.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on Sunday at the Jerusalem District Court, admitting that illegal wiretaps were conducted as part of the investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit stated that an incident involving these wiretaps angered him, leading him to demand its cessation due to a lack of personal suspicion against the Prime Minister. He also acknowledged not being aware of the Pegasus spyware system in real-time.
During his testimony, Mandelblit confirmed to Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, that police actions had exceeded expectations and that he had intervened to stop certain activities. He recalled an incident that greatly displeased him, which he requested be halted unless direct evidence linked the subject to offenses, stating, "What was said is unacceptable to me, stop it immediately." He further admitted that illegal wiretaps, or those lacking sufficient authorization, were carried out concerning individuals involved with the Prime Minister's family and others, requiring his post-facto intervention.
Mandelblit also revealed that the possibility of launching an investigation against those involved in improper investigative actions was considered but ultimately dismissed for fear of jeopardizing the Netanyahu trial. He described the event as serious, warranting at least disciplinary action, but prioritized avoiding any disruption to the legal proceedings. He testified that he did not personally handle any technological systems used by investigators and was unaware of the pressure exerted on state witness Nir Hefetz at the time.
Significant contention arose regarding the involvement of prosecution officials in an investigative tactic against Nir Hefetz. Defense lawyers presented documents suggesting prosecution personnel were briefed on the plan, while prosecutors argued this did not constitute approval. Mandelblit stated he did not recall being fully informed about the extent of prosecution involvement in the planning of this tactic when deciding how to handle the incident and the potential investigation into it.
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