Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies in Netanyahu Corruption Trial
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on October 22 in the Jerusalem District Court regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial. Mandelblit discussed suspicions of leaks during the investigation and his demand to halt police contact with journalist Ben Caspit. He also addressed investigative timelines and a problematic relationship between an investigator and Judy Nir Moses, who was in conflict with Sara Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit testified on Oct. 22 in PM Netanyahu's corruption trial.
- Mandelblit suspected leaks aimed at pressuring him during the investigation.
- He demanded police cease contact with journalist Ben Caspit, citing undue influence.
- The court discussed investigative permits for Case 1000 and testimony from Hadas Klein.
- Mandelblit confirmed ignorance of an investigator's relationship with Judy Nir Moses.
Former Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit continued his testimony on Thursday, October 22, at the Jerusalem District Court in the criminal case against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit was called to testify at the request of the defense, with lawyer Amit Haddad questioning him.
On Wednesday, October 21, Mandelblit stated that during the investigation into Netanyahu's affairs, he suspected prosecution and police officials of leaking information to pressure him into accelerating the investigation. He emphasized that he had no proof and was not swayed by pressure, acting solely based on the law and collected evidence.
A significant portion of the questioning focused on police contacts with journalist Ben Caspit. Mandelblit acknowledged he demanded these contacts cease, feeling the journalist was directing police actions rather than the other way around. He stressed that using a journalist as a tool for police investigation is unacceptable but noted that independent journalistic investigations are legitimate.
The court also discussed the timeline for issuing investigative permits in Case 1000. Mandelblit explained he initially authorized an information review, and testimony from Hadas Klein, who worked for businessman Arnon Milchan, provided grounds for reasonable suspicion, leading to a criminal investigation. The defense claims some investigative actions were conducted before necessary permits were obtained.
Furthermore, Mandelblit confirmed he was unaware of the romantic relationship between investigator Avi Rotenberg and Judy Nir Moses, who was in conflict with Sara Netanyahu. He agreed this was a problematic situation that should have been reported to him and conceded that the investigator should have been removed from the case.
He confirmed the conversation was coordinated with his spokesperson and deemed the practice acceptable.
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