Ex-AG Mandelblit's Testimony Reveals Alleged Media Manipulation in Netanyahu Investigations

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit's testimony in court has sparked controversy, particularly regarding his handling of information and interactions with journalists during the investigations into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit admitted he did not act on information that Prime Minister's drivers allegedly passed to journalists, and claimed he felt journalist Ben Caspit was "operating" the police rather than the police conducting their own investigation.

During questioning by lawyer Amit Haddad, Mandelblit acknowledged awareness that the Prime Minister's drivers were providing information to journalists, which Haddad argued was a serious breach of law. Mandelblit stated he did not recall the specifics of when this information came to light or that he took action to prevent it, saying "I don't know" when asked if he acted. Critics argue this indicates a willful ignorance of potential criminal offenses within the Prime Minister's circle.

Mandelblit also confirmed that a meeting with journalist Dana Weiss in 2019, which appeared to be a chance encounter, was pre-arranged. He testified that the plan was for them to meet on the street and greet each other as if by accident, a scenario he accepted. He further indicated that he received the interview questions and script from Weiss beforehand, with the possibility of editing them.

Weiss has since denied these claims, but Mandelblit's sworn testimony raises questions about the integrity of the investigation and media involvement. The article suggests that Caspit, Weiss, and Mandelblit himself are central to a narrative that portrays the investigation as a politically motivated operation, allegedly supported by the Israeli media, rather than a legitimate legal process.