Ex-AG Mandelblit Admits to Unapproved Police Actions in Netanyahu Trial
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, admitting that some police investigative actions were conducted without his knowledge or approval. He cited the wiretapping of a Netanyahu confidant as an example of an unauthorized action that angered him. Mandelblit also acknowledged "unacceptable" but not illegal pressure tactics used on state witnesses, including interrogating a woman close to former advisor Nir Hefetz. The defense is using Mandelblit's testimony to challenge the legality of the investigations against Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit testified in PM Netanyahu's trial on Oct 11.
- Mandelblit admitted some police actions were taken without his knowledge.
- He cited wiretapping of Netanyahu confidant Natan Eshel as an example.
- Mandelblit called pressure tactics on witness Nir Hefetz "unacceptable".
- Netanyahu attended the hearing, stating "The truth is coming out."
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on Sunday, October 11, at the Jerusalem District Court in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit, who indicted Netanyahu in 2019, was called by the defense, which seeks to prove that some investigative actions were conducted without proper authorization. During questioning by Netanyahu's lawyer Amit Haddad, Mandelblit acknowledged that certain police actions were not coordinated with him. "There were cases where I retroactively found out that I had not authorized certain actions," he stated, confirming they included serious investigative measures. He cited the wiretapping of Netanyahu confidant Natan Eshel in "Case 2000" as an example, expressing his anger and demanding the surveillance cease immediately unless it directly linked Eshel to crimes. Mandelblit clarified that while the law didn't mandate his approval for every step, he insisted on prior review of major actions due to the sensitivity of investigating a sitting prime minister. He also responded "Possibly" when asked if he had ever said police acted behind his back.
The questioning also addressed methods used on state witnesses. Mandelblit admitted to "unacceptable" but not "illegal" actions, specifically mentioning tactics against former Netanyahu advisor Nir Hefetz. Police interrogated a woman close to Hefetz with personal questions to exert psychological pressure. Mandelblit called this "unacceptable and wrong" and stated a special meeting was held upon his learning of the incident. He ordered a review of documents but forbade face-to-face confrontations to prevent testimony coordination and potential damage to the trial. Mandelblit confirmed he personally made the decision to indict Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu attended the hearing after it began, telling reporters "The truth is coming out." Also present were Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, MK Tali Gottlieb, and former Bar Association chairman Efi Nave. The defense has requested seven sessions for Mandelblit's testimony, focusing on the legality of the investigations, the scope of authorizations, and police adherence to limitations.
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