Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies in Netanyahu Trial, Denies Pressure
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, denying that his decisions were influenced by pressure from law enforcement or media. He confirmed he was unaware in 2017 of plans to make Shlomo Filber a state witness. Mandelblit stated all his decisions were based on professional judgment and external pressures had no impact.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit testified in the Netanyahu trial, denying external pressure influenced his decisions.
- Mandelblit stated his decisions were based solely on professional judgment.
- He confirmed he did not know in 2017 about turning Shlomo Filber into a state witness.
- The plan to make Filber a state witness was coordinated with Liat Ben Ari.
- Filber was told his cooperation benefits would depend on the information he provided.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that his decisions in the Netanyahu cases were not influenced by pressure from law enforcement or the media. He stated that all his decisions were based on his professional judgment and that external pressures had no effect on him.
Mandelblit confirmed during his testimony that he was unaware in 2017 of the Securities Authority's intention to turn Shlomo Filber into a state witness. This move was coordinated with Liat Ben Ari, then Deputy State Attorney General. At the time, Filber had asked investigators what he would gain from cooperating, to which Ben Ari instructed investigator Yariv Amiad to respond that the "price will be determined by the content." Amiad conveyed this to Filber, adding that the outcome would depend on the information provided.
Mandelblit was questioned by Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, about statements attributed to him suggesting pressure from the State Prosecutor's Office. Mandelblit reiterated that no decision was made under duress and that law enforcement officials have the right and duty to express their opinions regarding investigations.
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