Ex-AG Mandelblit Denies Approving Broad Netanyahu Probe Question

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit stated that he did not authorize a broad question to Ari Harow, Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff, asking for all he knew about Netanyahu over a decade. Mandelblit's remarks came during his testimony in the Netanyahu trial.

During a session on July 17, 2016, Mandelblit recalled that recordings were key, but suggested they presented an inaccurate picture. He noted that while Sami Sneilovich, a former Netanyahu advisor, made statements that were believed, it was crucial to reach witnesses who could confirm or deny the information. Mandelblit expressed that he would not initiate a criminal investigation against the Prime Minister for matters from ten years prior, such as alleged gifts like champagne, cigars, or a suit, deeming them insufficient grounds.

Mandelblit stated he doesn't recall which specific recordings were involved, but clarified they were not conversations between Netanyahu and Noni Mozes. Defense attorney Amit Haddad questioned whether Mandelblit approved all investigative lines, to which Mandelblit responded he doesn't recall. He also stated he doesn't remember Odelia Carmon's name coming up regarding recordings, though he recalled her name being mentioned and the associated information seeming far-fetched.

Mandelblit addressed the protocol from July 6, 2016, the day the investigation was announced, stating he wanted to clarify matters before proceeding, focusing on Ari Harow in 2000, not under caution. He suggested that while he approved an investigation into Harow regarding Netanyahu-Mozes conversations, the justification for a cautioned investigation in Case 2000 was not yet established. He explained that in Case 1000, there wasn't yet reasonable suspicion for a full investigation against Netanyahu, and Case 2000 was legally complex, with a 'golden evidence' piece whose implications for bribery charges were being considered. Mandelblit elaborated on his policy for initiating checks, distinguishing between protecting police investigators and examining public officials, especially the Prime Minister, to avoid lingering suspicion, even without reasonable suspicion.

Mandelblit stated he doesn't recall this specifically but found it logical that Bernor would have mentioned detaining Harow, which he would have approved. Mandelblit confirmed authorizing an investigation into Harow concerning recordings, with the possibility of further questioning on other matters if Harow cooperated. He could not recall if he authorized Harow's investigation under caution or offered him state witness status. Regarding Case 1000, Mandelblit confirmed authorizing a preliminary check, stating that testimony from a witness named Klein led to reasonable suspicion. Mandelblit stated he authorized an investigation into suspicions of large and systematic benefits received by Netanyahu. When Haddad cited Bernor's request to Harow for all information on Netanyahu over ten years, Mandelblit suggested it was logical that negotiations for state witness status might have involved questions related to Case 1000, but clarified that his approval was for a more limited scope.