Ex-AG Mandelblit Grilled on Gifts, Recordings in Netanyahu Trial
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, addressing past statements about not investigating Netanyahu for gifts received years ago. Netanyahu's lawyer presented documents and questioned Mandelblit about key recordings and transcripts used in the investigation. Mandelblit stated that the testimony of Hadas Klein, Arnon Milchan's assistant, was pivotal in advancing Case 1000, leading to the decision to question Milchan and Packer. The defense team requested an additional eight days of testimony from Mandelblit.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Mandelblit stated he wouldn't have investigated Netanyahu for old gifts, according to 2016 documents.
- Netanyahu's lawyer questioned Mandelblit about key recordings and potentially misleading transcripts in the trial.
- Mandelblit testified that Hadas Klein's testimony was crucial in advancing Case 1000 against Netanyahu.
- The defense requested an additional eight days of testimony from the former Attorney General.
- Mandelblit clarified he approved investigations into topics, not specific individuals, including receiving benefits from businessmen.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit faced renewed questioning on Thursday in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, specifically regarding his past statements on gifts received by the premier and the handling of key evidence. Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, presented documents from 2016 where Mandelblit reportedly stated he would not have opened a criminal investigation into Netanyahu for receiving gifts like champagne, cigars, or a suit "twenty years ago." These remarks were made during internal discussions about authorizing investigations in Cases 1000 and 2000.
Haddad also pressed Mandelblit on internal law enforcement discussions concerning recordings and the involvement of Ari Harow, former head of staff in Netanyahu's office. Mandelblit indicated the recordings likely involved conversations between Noni Mozes and Netanyahu, and acknowledged that key evidence, potentially including recordings involving Harow and Sami Snelevich, was presented to him. He stated, "The key was these recordings," but could not recall specific details about other recordings or transcripts presented to him.
Mandelblit addressed claims that he was presented with misleading transcripts, stating he did not recall such an event and distinguishing between an inaccurate document and intentional deception. He also clarified his authorization process, explaining that he approved investigations into five main topics, including receiving benefits from businessmen, rather than specific individuals. He noted that the initial approval was for a general review of receiving gifts from businessmen.
The former Attorney General testified that the testimony of Hadas Klein, personal assistant to Arnon Milchan, significantly changed his perspective on Case 1000. Mandelblit explained that Klein's testimony, along with that of a driver, led to the decision to question Milchan and attempt to question James Packer. He stated this information indicated the potential for systematic, large-scale benefits, not sporadic gifts, and that the initial approval allowed for the investigation of these suspicions.
Netanyahu's defense team, represented by lawyer Noa Milstein, requested an additional eight days of testimony from Mandelblit, proposing dates in late October and early November 2026, and indicated that further extensions might be necessary.
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