Ex-AG Mandelblit's Testimony in Netanyahu Trial Marked by "I Don't Know"

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit appeared for cross-examination in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he repeatedly used the phrase "I don't know" and "maybe." During the hearing at the Jerusalem District Court, Mandelblit responded to questions from Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, regarding approvals for investigative actions, police conduct, and the indictment.

According to a count, Mandelblit stated "I don't know" 16 times and "maybe" 24 times during the examination. These responses pertained to central issues, including whether he signed the amended indictment and the extent of his oversight of police investigations. Mandelblit recalled signing the original indictment but could not confirm if he personally signed the revised version, stating, "I don't remember factually signing an amended indictment. I don't know if I signed."

Haddad suggested that the signature on the amended indictment might have been a copy of the original, a claim Mandelblit rejected based on his memory. The defense argues that some investigative actions were conducted without proper authorization.

Mandelblit also confirmed that not every investigative action was personally approved by him, stating he did not sit in on police interrogations and was unaware of all their activities. He clarified that while he expected central actions to be brought for his approval, not every single police action required it. He did, however, approve the opening of investigations legally and maintained that individual approval for every action was not necessary.

Regarding a wiretapping operation against Natan Eshel, Mandelblit stated he was angered when he learned of it and ordered it canceled, asserting he had not approved it. He acknowledged that a purpose of the law requiring the Attorney General's consent for investigating a prime minister is to prevent the misuse of investigative powers against elected officials. Mandelblit maintained that the decision to indict Netanyahu was his personal one, made in accordance with the law. The cross-examination is set to continue in further sessions.