Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies Netanyahu Wasn't Questioned on Bribery Charge
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not investigated for bribery in his trial. Mandelblit confirmed to Netanyahu's lawyer that the bribery charge was not part of the investigation, despite it being included in the indictment. The testimony addressed claims that investigators acted without Mandelblit's full knowledge. Mandelblit maintained that his decisions were made independently and without external pressure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified that PM Benjamin Netanyahu was not investigated for bribery.
- Mandelblit confirmed to Netanyahu's lawyer that the bribery charge was not part of the investigation.
- The indictment against Netanyahu includes charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
- Netanyahu's lawyer claimed investigators acted without Mandelblit's full approval.
- Mandelblit stated his decisions were made solely based on his own discretion.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified for the third time on Tuesday in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that Netanyahu was not investigated for bribery. Mandelblit confirmed to Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, that the Prime Minister was not questioned on the bribery offense and that this was not approved in the protocols.
Mandelblit acknowledged that during discussions about filing the indictment, no one raised concerns about Netanyahu not being investigated for bribery, despite the charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. During a previous testimony, Netanyahu's lawyer claimed that investigation and enforcement officials acted independently of Mandelblit and conducted investigative actions without his required approval.
Mandelblit responded to these claims by stating, "What you are claiming is that the prosecution deliberately concealed things from me." He expressed surprise if this were the case and stated his respect for all involved parties. While Mandelblit dismissed some of the alleged incidents or deemed them less significant, he also noted that the prosecution should have presented him with all the materials in other instances. He emphasized that all his decisions were based solely on his own discretion, free from media or enforcement pressure.
