Dramatic Testimonies Expected in Netanyahu Trial as Key Witness Faces Cross-Examination
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is expected to give "dramatic and historic testimonies" during his cross-examination in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial. Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, aims to dismantle the charges by questioning Mandelblit about pressures and his relationship with former State Prosecutor Shi Nitzen. Mandelblit confirmed that approval for the Case 4000 investigation was not granted until October 2, 2017, a point Haddad is using to challenge the investigation's legitimacy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's testimony is expected to feature "dramatic and historic" revelations.
- Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, plans to dismantle the indictment's charges using Mandelblit's testimony.
- Mandelblit's relationship with former State Prosecutor Shi Nitzen and alleged pressures will be scrutinized.
- Mandelblit confirmed no approval was given for Case 4000 investigation until October 2, 2017.
- The defense claims investigators acted without prior Attorney General approval for Case 4000.
Lawyer Lior Kezav predicted "dramatic and historic testimonies" from former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit during his ongoing cross-examination in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kezav suggested that Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, would dismantle the charges by eliciting specific details from Mandelblit.
The focus is expected to be on Mandelblit's relationship with former State Prosecutor Shi Nitzen, with Kezav anticipating revelations about pressures exerted on Mandelblit and the considerations that led to the indictment. "We will see how much they intimidated him, how much he was blackmailed, and what his considerations were for filing the indictment," Kezav stated.
During the proceedings, Haddad presented evidence suggesting that the Israel Securities Authority conducted investigative actions related to Case 4000 before obtaining the necessary approval from the Attorney General. Mandelblit acknowledged that formal approval for the investigation was not granted until October 2, 2017, though he rejected claims of systematic actions taken behind his back.
Haddad accused the investigative unit of operating "behind his back and contrary to orders" to build the Case 4000 indictment without prior authorization, a claim Mandelblit strongly denied. The court also witnessed a tense exchange between Haddad and prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh regarding a 2015 article by journalist Gidi Weitz about Netanyahu's ties to the Walla! news site and the timeline of when investigators were made aware of the information.
Mandelblit's testimony is a central element of the trial, and the defense aims to challenge the validity of the investigation and the indictment itself by scrutinizing his decisions and the process. The proceedings are ongoing, with further dramatic developments anticipated.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 4Right 2Haredi 2Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
