Ex-AG Mandelblit Confronted Over Investigation Approvals in Netanyahu Cases
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit faced sharp questioning from Prime Minister Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, over investigation approvals in the Netanyahu cases. Haddad presented documents suggesting discrepancies between preliminary discussions and actual police instructions, and questioned the scope of Mandelblit's approvals for certain actions, including searches and testimony collection. Mandelblit defended the process, citing oral approvals and general authorizations, while judges noted the lack of written records for oral directives. A decision on releasing full investigation protocols is pending.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ex-AG Mandelblit faced intense questioning from PM Netanyahu's lawyer over investigation approvals.
- Lawyer Amit Haddad presented documents showing discrepancies in investigation approvals.
- Mandelblit stated oral approvals were given, not always reflected in writing.
- A judge noted the issue of oral approvals lacking written documentation.
- The court is considering releasing full, unredacted investigation protocols.
During the fourth day of cross-examination of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit at the Jerusalem District Court, sharp confrontations arose between the Prime Minister's lawyer, Amit Haddad, and the witness. The discussion focused on a 12-page protocol from June 2016, large portions of which were blacked out. Haddad presented significant discrepancies between preliminary meeting topics and real-time written instructions given to the police, questioning the scope of authority and approvals granted to investigators before the probes became criminal investigations.
Haddad presented an email from June 26, 2016, documenting a specific approval to take testimony from Ari Harow regarding recordings. The defense argued this showed a gradual policy limiting police actions, while Mandelblit contended that oral approvals, not reflected in technical correspondence, were given. Judge Moshe Bar-Am noted that oral approvals lack written expression.
Haddad later presented a July 2016 protocol where Mandelblit reprimanded police investigators, stating, "You are starting a completely different investigation on matters I did not approve." Mandelblit confirmed remembering this statement. The defense also claimed police investigators obtained search warrants and sent Hadas Klein to photograph documents at Arnon Milchan's home under the guise of an "inventory count" without explicit prior approval.
Mandelblit admitted he did not recall approving these specific actions or instructing Klein's testimony but argued the police acted within a general authorization to investigate suspicions. Meanwhile, a legal dispute unfolded over the defense's demand for the full, unredacted protocols, which the prosecution opposed. Judge Oded Shaham stated he would consider providing the full documentation to all parties, and the hearing concluded without a final decision.
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