Anchor Denies Attorney General Edit Rights in Netanyahu Trial Testimony
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial that he may have received and edited a draft report discussed with News 12 anchor Dana Weiss. Weiss later clarified that Mandelblit was not given editing rights and did not review or change the report before its broadcast. The testimony occurred during Mandelblit's cross-examination by Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, who questioned Mandelblit's interactions with the media during investigations. Netanyahu faces charges in three separate cases and denies all allegations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit testified he may have edited a report discussed with News 12 anchor Dana Weiss.
- Dana Weiss denied Mandelblit had editing rights or reviewed the report before broadcast.
- The exchange occurred during Mandelblit's cross-examination in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial.
- Netanyahu faces charges in three cases and denies all allegations.
- Mandelblit's meeting with Weiss was described as part of media preparation.
During his testimony in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit addressed a background conversation he had with News 12 anchor Dana Weiss in January 2019. Mandelblit stated that he might have received a draft of a report and edited it. In response, Weiss clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that Mandelblit was not given editing rights.
The exchange occurred during Mandelblit's cross-examination by Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad. Haddad questioned Mandelblit about the meeting with Weiss and the possibility of him reviewing a draft before broadcast. Mandelblit replied that he might have received a draft, explaining that the meeting was not coincidental and was suggested by his spokesperson as part of media preparation. He emphasized that the discussion focused on the decision-making process, not on analyzing evidence or testimonies.
Weiss issued a direct clarification, stating, "To remove any doubt: Avichai Mandelblit or anyone on his behalf did not receive editing rights for the report, did not view the report before its broadcast, did not edit anything in the report, and therefore could not have changed anything." She added that no document was shared with him before or during the report's preparation.
Mandelblit was called to testify for the defense. Haddad focused on approvals for opening investigations against Netanyahu in Cases 1000 and 2000, and on the conduct of the police and their communication with media figures. Mandelblit stated he did not recall some details due to the passage of time and was unaware of certain claims presented by the defense.
Netanyahu is on trial for charges related to Case 1000 (receiving gifts from businessmen), Case 2000 (discussions with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Noni Mozes), and Case 4000 (relations with Shaul Elovitch and the Walla website). Netanyahu denies the charges.
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