Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies Again in Netanyahu Trial, Disputes Arise

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit returned to the stand on Thursday for his fifth day of testimony in the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit, who decided to indict Netanyahu, is being cross-examined by the defense, led by attorney Amit Haddad. The previous four days of testimony have revealed significant disputes regarding approvals for investigations, police actions taken without Mandelblit's knowledge, redacted documents, questions surrounding the signing of the amended indictment, and allegations of police using journalist Ben Caspit.

A central issue is whether investigative actions against the prime minister complied with Basic Law: The Government, which requires the Attorney General's consent for criminal investigations against a prime minister. The defense argues investigators exceeded their approved scope, while Mandelblit maintains essential approvals were granted and individual consent wasn't needed for every action.

Key points of contention include whether bribery charges in Case 4000 were properly approved, as the initial investigation approval mentioned only ethics offenses. Mandelblit stated he doesn't recall explicitly approving a bribery investigation but confirmed Netanyahu was cautioned. Judge Moshe Bar-Am questioned the "convoluted" wording used in the warning.

Another significant revelation involved a senior investigator, Superintendent Avi Rotenberg, who was involved in cases concerning the Netanyahu family while in a relationship with Judy Nir Moses, who was in conflict with the prime minister's wife. Mandelblit acknowledged he was unaware of this conflict at the time, calling it problematic and suggesting the investigator might have been removed from the case had he known.

The defense also questioned Mandelblit's media conduct, presenting a report by journalist Dana Weiss about a seemingly chance encounter. Mandelblit admitted the meeting was arranged by his spokesperson and that he provided background information, confirming that statements attributed to "associates of Mandelblit" in the report originated from him or his staff.

Further disputes arose over a redacted document from 2017 suggesting no need at that stage to expand the investigation against Netanyahu beyond former Communications Ministry Director General Shlomo Filber. Mandelblit confirmed he was unaware of the redaction and reiterated that while the presented documents weren't personal approvals, such approval was later given.

Mandelblit also stated he does not recall signing the amended indictment, and the defense raised suspicions of signature forgery. He confirmed he did not personally examine all 315 reporting incidents in Case 4000 included in the amended indictment but maintained the decision to indict was his and Case 4000 was the most severe.

Regarding Case 1000, Mandelblit testified that while he initially approved a broad investigation, witness Hadas Klein's testimony later solidified reasonable suspicion for a more focused inquiry. He also addressed allegations that police used journalist Ben Caspit to gather information, stating he was unaware of such activities and that using a journalist to circumvent the Attorney General's approval would be improper.