Channel 14 Slams Netanyahu Trial Testimony as "Unprecedented Drama"

Channel 14 personality Yaara Zerad launched a strong attack on former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who is currently testifying in the ongoing Netanyahu trial. Zerad described Mandelblit's testimony as an "unprecedented drama" and a "catastrophe" that "shatters the foundation of Case 4000 to pieces." She highlighted Mandelblit's admission when questioned by Judge Feldman Friedman about whether he approved an investigation into bribery, to which he responded, "I don't remember." Zerad criticized the former Attorney General for admitting he doesn't recall approving the bribery charge, suggesting the case was "sloppily" constructed.

During the trial, Netanyahu's attorney, Amit Haddad, also questioned Mandelblit, reportedly asking if he had told Judge Tirosh that Netanyahu would lead a "governmental coup" and that Israel would become like Hungary or Poland. Zerad concluded that the trial is holding the "entire public hostage" and that its cancellation is a "legal and moral obligation" due to the "miscarriage of justice."

This is not the first time questions have been raised about the bribery charge in Case 4000. In June 2023, the panel of judges suggested the prosecution consider withdrawing the bribery indictment against Netanyahu, a sentiment they reiterated in June of this year after hearing the Prime Minister's testimony. Despite the prosecution's decision to proceed with the charge and the new questions arising from Mandelblit's testimony, the court has not yet declared the indictments against Netanyahu void. The judges will need to determine if the defense's alleged procedural flaws warrant legal remedy and to what extent.