Allegations of Briefings Surface Around Former AG Mandelblit's Testimony
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
A new allegation suggests former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit received briefings outside the courtroom during his testimony in the Netanyahu trial. Mandelblit himself complained about being approached by individuals in the corridor, including a journalist. The court has since implemented stricter escort procedures for Mandelblit when he leaves the room during objections. Meanwhile, the defense continues to challenge Mandelblit with documents from the investigations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit is alleged to have received briefings outside the courtroom during the Netanyahu trial.
- Mandelblit reported being approached by individuals and a journalist in the corridor during his testimony.
- The court has instructed security to escort Mandelblit when he leaves the room during objection discussions.
- The defense is confronting Mandelblit with documents regarding his approvals for Netanyahu's investigations.
- A judge instructed Mandelblit to listen to entire questions before responding during a heated exchange.
A new claim has emerged surrounding the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the Netanyahu trial, alleging that he receives briefings outside the courtroom whenever he is asked to leave due to prosecution objections. This claim surfaced amid Mandelblit's repeated exits from the courtroom while judges deliberate on objections raised by Netanyahu's defense attorney, Amit Haddad. While it is standard procedure for a witness to leave during objection discussions to prevent exposure to legal arguments that might influence their testimony, a dispute arose regarding what transpires outside the courtroom and who is in Mandelblit's proximity. On one occasion, Mandelblit complained that people approached him in the corridor asking questions, which he found disruptive. In another instance, he reported that a journalist approached him, held a phone to him, and made accusations, which he stated interfered with his ability to testify properly. These incidents have raised questions about the witness's waiting conditions but do not prove he received briefings from prosecution officials, as his documented complaints concerned external individuals, not discussions with prosecution lawyers. During a recent hearing, after spectators approached the witness and prosecution representatives, the prosecution requested increased security. Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman clarified that court security personnel were instructed to escort Mandelblit to a waiting room whenever he leaves the courtroom during deliberations, to prevent disturbances and external contact. The defense, meanwhile, has been confronting Mandelblit with protocols and approvals he granted for Netanyahu's investigations, questioning the extent of his personal involvement and knowledge. Mandelblit was asked if he had requested lists of names before interrogations, to which he responded, "I don't remember giving a list of names, maybe I did." When Haddad asserted that every interrogation required his prior approval, Mandelblit stated, "I don't remember that." A heated exchange also occurred regarding the presentation of questions, with Mandelblit interrupting Haddad, claiming the questions contained incorrect premises. The judge intervened, instructing Mandelblit to listen to the entire question before responding.
