Netanyahu Trial: AG Mandelblit Testifies Amid Defense Claims of Secret Investigation

The Attorney General, Prof. Avichai Mandelblit, continued his testimony on Tuesday in the criminal trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit testified about the approvals he gave to the police to open investigations, stating he gave verbal approval and did not believe written consent was necessary. The defense, however, claims the police conducted investigative actions without his full knowledge or authorization.

Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, questioned Mandelblit about a 2021 memo detailing the approval for the investigation into the Prime Minister. Haddad alleged that prior to Mandelblit's approval, the police had already taken investigative steps behind his back to build Case 4000, which involves bribery charges against Netanyahu for allegedly favoring former Bezeq and Yes owner Shaul Elovitch in exchange for favorable coverage on the Walla website. Haddad pressed Mandelblit, suggesting he was misled and that the prosecution concealed information about the search for material against the Prime Minister.

Mandelblit responded by expressing surprise at the accusation of deliberate concealment, stating his full trust in the prosecution and the team involved. He acknowledged the possibility of information being withheld but remained unconvinced. He also recounted his intention to be updated on major investigative actions, even if not legally required, to ensure oversight, especially concerning the Prime Minister, while also cautioning against unchecked police actions.

The proceedings were briefly halted due to an exchange between Haddad and prosecutor Tirosh, head of the investigation team. When Tirosh objected to Haddad's questions, he remarked on the prosecutor's perceived distress, stating, "I understand the distress, there is someone sitting here whose life's work is this case, and there is no other case." The prosecutor retorted, "My life is my family. We are all lawyers doing our job. The trial is not against us, we are not the defendants. There are four defendants here."

The judges intervened, sending the parties to their chambers before resuming the hearing. The article also notes that the judges had previously recommended dropping the bribery charge, and Netanyahu is requesting Mandelblit be summoned to testify again before the elections. The principle of presumption of innocence is also mentioned, stating Netanyahu denies the charges against him.