Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies Netanyahu Was Not Warned of Bribery Charge

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified Tuesday that the word "bribery" was not explicitly used in the warning notice given to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his investigation. Mandelblit appeared for his third day of testimony in the "Cases of the Thousand," where Netanyahu faces corruption charges. Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, confronted Mandelblit with the wording of the warning, which Mandelblit acknowledged was intentionally "convoluted" to allow flexibility in the charges. Mandelblit stated he recalled authorizing investigations into "integrity" for Cases 1000 and 2000, and possibly for Case 4000, but was unsure if he approved the specific term "bribery" for the latter. Haddad countered that "integrity" was also not present in the approved warning notices.

The prosecution objected to Haddad's line of questioning regarding the Attorney General's motives for filing indictments. The judges ruled that while questioning a prosecutor's motives is difficult, claims of extraneous considerations could form a defense. They decided to allow limited questions on the matter after the factual basis is established.

Mandelblit affirmed that his decision to indict Netanyahu was personal and not influenced by pressure from law enforcement or media. He also addressed the submarine affair, stating he found no suspicion against the Prime Minister and believed it should be presented to the public. Regarding a potential investigation into Nir Hefetz's actions, Mandelblit explained his decision to prioritize the main case over a separate inquiry, deeming such actions "improper."

During previous testimony, Haddad had a heated exchange with prosecutor Judith Tirosh, leading to a temporary halt in proceedings. Mandelblit reiterated that all his decisions were based on professional judgment and that he was not pressured. He is scheduled to testify for several more days this week and next.