Ex-AG Mandelblit Denies Pressure in Netanyahu Trial Testimony
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, denying any external pressure influenced his decisions. He acknowledged potential leaks from the prosecution but insisted his rulings were based solely on professional judgment. Mandelblit also revealed he replaced a prosecutor due to disagreements and suspected leaks. He stated he provided general direction for the investigation but was not involved in its specifics and was unaware of certain investigative omissions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial.
- Mandelblit denied facing any external pressure in his handling of the cases.
- He acknowledged the possibility of leaks from the prosecution but maintained independent judgment.
- Mandelblit revealed he replaced a prosecutor due to suspected leaks and disagreements.
- He stated he provided general direction for the investigation, not specific investigative plans.
- Mandelblit claimed ignorance regarding specific investigative omissions in the Bezeq-Walla case.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on Monday in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that he faced no external pressure in his handling of the cases.
During the proceedings, Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, questioned Mandelblit about potential pressure from leaks originating from the prosecution. Mandelblit acknowledged the possibility of such leaks but maintained that all his decisions were based on his professional judgment and were not influenced by external forces, including investigators or the media. He stated that law enforcement officials approached him with their opinions, which is their duty, but this did not constitute undue pressure.
Mandelblit also revealed that he replaced a prosecutor in the case because the individual was not acting as expected and was pushing the investigation in directions he found inappropriate. He suspected leaks and felt uncomfortable working with that specific prosecutor.
When questioned by Presiding Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman about his involvement in directing the investigation, Mandelblit clarified that he provided the general direction but was not the one conducting the day-to-day investigation or formulating the detailed plan. He also stated he was unaware that investigators had not presented Netanyahu with specific articles that formed the basis of the indictment in the Bezeq-Walla case, and he remained unaware of this fact even after the testimony.
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