Netanyahu Trial: Mandelblit's Motives and Warnings Questioned
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified for a third day in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial, facing questions about his motives and the approval of investigations. Defense attorney Amit Haddad presented a quote where Mandelblit allegedly asked prosecutor Judith Tirosh if she preferred prosecuting a case to "save democracy" or being a judge in a "dictatorship." The defense also challenged the wording of Netanyahu's initial investigation warning, arguing it didn't clearly state bribery charges.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial.
- Mandelblit's alleged quote about prosecuting a case to "save democracy" was presented in court.
- The defense questioned the wording of the warning given to Netanyahu during his investigation.
- Mandelblit confirmed approving investigations into Netanyahu for integrity of public service and possibly bribery.
- The origin of the controversial quote was traced to a book by journalist Amos Harel.
During the third day of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's testimony in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial, defense lawyers focused on the approval of investigations and Mandelblit's alleged personal motives. Netanyahu's attorney, Amit Haddad, presented a quote attributed to Mandelblit, suggesting he asked prosecutor Judith Tirosh if she preferred being a prosecutor in a case that would 'save democracy' or a judge in a 'dictatorship.' Tirosh did not deny the quote.
Mandelblit's testimony also addressed his approval of investigations into Netanyahu. He stated he authorized investigations under caution for cases 1000, 2000, and 4000, specifically mentioning offenses related to "integrity of the public service" and possibly bribery in case 4000. Haddad challenged this, noting that the term "integrity of the public service" did not appear in the relevant prosecution meeting protocols. Judge Moshe Baram questioned the practical implication of such a broad definition for investigators.
The defense also scrutinized the wording of the warning given to Netanyahu at the start of his investigation in case 4000. Haddad argued that the warning, which mentioned acting in conflict of interest and breach of trust, did not explicitly include the elements of bribery. Mandelblit conceded the phrasing was "more convoluted" and better suited to a breach of trust offense, though he suggested it could lead to other accusations. The judges acknowledged the difficulty in questioning a prosecutor's motives but stated that claims of extraneous considerations could form a defense, allowing carefully worded questions after factual groundwork is laid.
The quote attributed to Mandelblit originated from journalist Amos Harel's book "6:29" and had been presented in court previously. The defense's attempt to present the factual basis for the quote in a closed session was under consideration by the judges.
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