Ex-AG Mandelblit Returns to Netanyahu Trial Witness Stand
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified for a fourth day in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, facing cross-examination on key approvals and potential political influence. Mandelblit admitted Netanyahu wasn't explicitly warned of bribery in Case 4000 and couldn't recall signing the amended indictment. The defense questioned his reliance on prosecution staff for reviewing evidence and raised claims of political motives behind the indictment. Mandelblit denied these allegations, asserting his decisions were not improperly influenced.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit testified for a fourth day in PM Netanyahu's corruption trial.
- Mandelblit confirmed Netanyahu was not explicitly warned of bribery in Case 4000.
- Defense attorney Amit Haddad questioned Mandelblit's review of evidence and alleged political motives.
- Mandelblit denied claims that his decisions were influenced by improper pressure or political considerations.
- The judge allowed questions on potential extraneous considerations if factually supported.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit returned to the Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday for the fourth day of his cross-examination in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit's testimony follows three days where discrepancies emerged between his memory and investigation documents, and questions were raised about approvals granted for the investigation into Netanyahu.
During Tuesday's proceedings, Mandelblit acknowledged that Netanyahu was not explicitly warned of bribery suspicions in Case 4000. He recalled approving an investigation into Netanyahu under caution in the "thousand cases" but could not definitively recall if he had specifically approved an investigation for bribery. Defense attorney Amit Haddad presented the warning notice given to Netanyahu in March 2018, which Mandelblit confirmed did not include the word "bribery." Haddad argued this was a significant flaw, as Netanyahu was not warned of all suspicions against him. Mandelblit conceded it might have been an oversight but maintained the investigation was valid.
Another issue discussed was the possibility of political considerations influencing the decision to indict Netanyahu. Haddad confronted Mandelblit with a statement attributed to him in a conversation with prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh, suggesting Netanyahu could lead to a "regime coup" similar to Hungary and Poland and that "democracy must be saved." The prosecution objected, but Judge Moshe Bar-Am stated that claims of extraneous considerations could be relevant if factually supported.
A dispute also arose concerning the amended indictment from January 2021. Mandelblit remembered signing the original indictment from January 2020 but was uncertain about signing the amended version. Haddad pointed to similarities in the signatures and a smudged mark, suggesting it might have been copied. Mandelblit did not confirm this claim. He also confirmed he did not personally examine all 315 alleged instances of coverage added to Case 4000, relying instead on the prosecution team's work, which the defense claims raises questions about his independent review.
Mandelblit continued to deny claims that his decisions were influenced by extraneous factors or undue pressure from prosecution staff. His examination was expected to continue focusing on decision-making processes and approvals during Netanyahu's investigations.
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