Ex-AG Mandelblit Confirms Approving Probe into "Systematic, Large" Benefits for Netanyahu

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit stated that he authorized police to investigate suspicions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receiving "large and systematic benefits." Mandelblit's remarks came during his testimony in Netanyahu's trial. He clarified that he was unaware of journalist Ben Caspit's actions following a meeting with the then-head of Lahav 433, Superintendent Eran Kamin, in April 2016, two months before Mandelblit approved the opening of Case 1000.

Mandelblit asserted that investigating a prime minister requires his approval. Defense attorney Amit Haddad argued that using a journalist as an intermediary to circumvent this requirement is improper. Mandelblit acknowledged that while investigators shouldn't use journalists as their "long arm," journalists have the right to conduct their own investigations. He also conceded that proactively seeking information on a politician is improper and contrary to basic law.

Regarding suspicions of leaks aimed at pressuring him, Mandelblit denied knowing about police pressuring Caspit for information on Netanyahu and stated he did not authorize it. He expressed hope that any such actions would be disproven. Mandelblit admitted to suspecting leaks from the prosecution and police intended to pressure him into approving certain investigative directions, but maintained he acted solely based on evidence and law. He told the court he was cautious in this case and ordered an end to contact with Caspit due to a feeling that Caspit was directing the police rather than the other way around.

Mandelblit also confirmed a background discussion with journalist Dana Weiss about the handling of the Netanyahu cases, which he believes led to a Channel 12 report in January 2019. He stated this was done in coordination with the then-spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, Moshe Cohen, and that background briefings with journalists are legitimate as long as they don't involve analyzing evidence.

He further acknowledged that a police superintendent involved in Case 2000 and the residence case against Sara Netanyahu was in a relationship with Judi Nir Moses-Shalom, a known rival of his wife, calling it a problematic situation. Mandelblit confirmed that the defense did not receive similar details about the case. He also mentioned that Ari Harow's representative provided recordings of Netanyahu and Moses in negotiations for state witness testimony, and described the warning given to Netanyahu during police interrogations as "convoluted phrasing."