Ex-AG Mandelblit Confirms Netanyahu Not Warned of Bribery in Case 4000

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not explicitly warned of bribery suspicions during investigations into Case 4000. During cross-examination at the District Court in Jerusalem, Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, presented various warning notices from different stages of the investigation. Haddad argued that despite the prosecution's bribery charges, the word "bribery" did not appear in these notices.

Mandelblit confirmed Haddad's assertion, stating, "Bribery was not mentioned." However, he could not recall if the wording of the warning changed during the investigation. Haddad presented documents showing that Netanyahu was suspected of receiving undue benefits from Shaul Elovitch in connection with his public role, acting against the public interest and in severe conflict of interest. The defense contends that the absence of an explicit bribery warning raises critical questions about the charges Netanyahu was actually warned about.

The proceedings also saw heated exchanges between Haddad and prosecutor Judith Tirosh, with the judge intervening at one point to admonish Tirosh. Haddad presented further documents from 2018 investigations, reiterating that the word "bribery" was absent from the warnings. Mandelblit again confirmed this, stating, "I confirm what you said, suspicion of bribery was not mentioned."

Additionally, Haddad revealed exchanges from a July 10, 2018, investigation where Netanyahu requested a copy of his warning notice but was denied by investigators, who cited procedure. Netanyahu expressed disbelief at the refusal. Mandelblit stated he was not informed in real-time of Netanyahu's request and subsequent denial. The defense argues these revelations significantly weaken the prosecution's case, highlighting a gap between the initial suspicions presented and the final indictment.