Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies in Netanyahu Trial, Cites 'Improper Actions' Regarding State Witnesses

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on Sunday as a defense witness in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Responding to questions from Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, Mandelblit stated that while he did not approve every order related to the investigation, there were instances in retrospect where he did not grant approval. He further revealed that one investigative action "infuriated" him and he canceled it. This canceled action involved the placement of a wiretap on Natan Eshel, who was the head of staff in Netanyahu's bureau.

Mandelblit addressed allegations of pressure on state witnesses, stating that while no discussion on the matter occurred in his presence, "improper actions were certainly taken regarding state witnesses." He expressed discomfort with the term "illegal" but acknowledged he was unaware of the specific pressures exerted on Nir Hefetz. Regarding an operation described by Haddad as a "ploy related to Nir Hefetz," Mandelblit confirmed a discussion took place, deeming the action "improper and incorrect." He explained his directive was to avoid direct contact between witnesses and investigators, instead focusing on document-based verification.

Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived at the courthouse to hear Mandelblit's testimony, about an hour after it began. When questioned by reporters about attending Mandelblit's testimony while previously seeking to cancel his own court appearances due to security concerns, Netanyahu responded, "The truth is coming to light."

Several coalition members, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and MK Tali Gottlieb, were present in the courtroom to support Netanyahu. Mandelblit, appointed Attorney General by Netanyahu in 2016, had previously served as acting State Attorney and Netanyahu's cabinet secretary. He announced the investigation into Netanyahu in 2015, ordered the public investigation in late 2016, and ultimately decided to indict the Prime Minister in November 2019, leading to the trial that commenced the following year. Despite criticizing police and prosecution work during his testimony, Mandelblit proceeded with the indictment at the time, despite facing pressure from both supporters and opponents of Netanyahu.