Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies on Suspected Leaks in Netanyahu Trial

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified Wednesday in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he suspected leaks from within the prosecution and police. Mandelblit told the court he believed these leaks were intended to pressure him to advance investigations against the Prime Minister. His testimony followed revelations in September by retired Deputy Commissioner Eran Kamin, former acting head of the National Fraud Unit, about his contacts with journalist Ben Caspit during investigations.

Mandelblit addressed questions from Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, regarding his requests for the police to cease contact with Caspit. Mandelblit explained he had a "discomforting feeling" that Caspit was influencing the police rather than the police investigating. He acknowledged later becoming aware that Caspit's sources might have included Netanyahu's drivers, who were legally obligated to maintain confidentiality, but stated he did not recall when this information precisely surfaced or that he acted to prevent it.

When questioned about a news report detailing an internal prosecution meeting, which Mandelblit later confirmed was coordinated with his spokesperson, he explained that background briefings with journalists are legitimate and sometimes necessary to explain processes, as long as they do not involve analyzing evidence. He clarified that the meeting with the reporter was not accidental but arranged.

Mandelblit also confirmed he was not informed at the time that Superintendent Avi Rotenberg, a senior investigator in cases involving Netanyahu and his wife Sara, was in a romantic relationship with Judy Nir Moses, who was reportedly in conflict with Sara Netanyahu. Mandelblit agreed this was a problematic situation and that he should have been informed.