Ex-AG Mandelblit Admits Error on Yair Netanyahu Hotel Stay Investigation
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit admitted he made an error during his testimony, initially denying he approved an investigation into Yair Netanyahu's hotel stay. After a recess, Mandelblit corrected himself, stating he had approved the probe as part of examining benefits from businessmen. He denied being Dana Weiss's sole source for a report on the matter, though he confirmed speaking with her.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Avichai Mandelblit admitted he mistakenly denied approving an investigation into Yair Netanyahu's hotel stay.
- Mandelblit corrected his testimony after a recess, confirming he had authorized the probe.
- He denied being the sole source for a reporter's story on Yair Netanyahu's hotel accommodations.
- The investigation concerned potential benefits received by Netanyahu's son from businessmen.
- Attorney Amit Haddad questioned Mandelblit about his prior statements and the investigation's scope.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit retracted a statement during his testimony regarding the approval of an investigation into Yair Netanyahu's stay at the Packer Hotel. Initially, Mandelblit stated, with reservations about his memory, that he had not authorized an examination of the matter, aligning with attorney Amit Haddad's assertion. However, after a brief recess, Mandelblit corrected himself, stating, "I made a mistake," and confirmed that he had indeed approved the investigation.
Earlier, Haddad presented a segment from a report by reporter Dana Weiss concerning the investigation into Yair Netanyahu and the hotel. Haddad claimed Mandelblit had provided information to Weiss, a charge the former AG denied, stating, "I didn't tell her that!" When Haddad pressed him, saying, "You are her source!" Mandelblit responded, "I am not her only source, I assume," and added that he had spoken with Weiss about the process.
Haddad then focused on whether the hotel matter was included in Mandelblit's initial approval. "The entire line of Yair Netanyahu's stay at the Packer Hotel is a subject you did not approve for investigation," Haddad stated. Mandelblit initially responded, "To the best of my recollection, yes." This prompted Haddad to request a two-minute break to consider the witness's answer and consult with his defense team.
Upon resuming, Haddad inquired about the preparation of a memo discussed in the investigation. Mandelblit explained that during the break, he had reconsidered the issue and confirmed that he had approved its investigation as part of examining potential benefits received from businessmen. When Haddad pointed out his earlier denial, Mandelblit admitted, "I made a mistake." He clarified that he had not spoken to anyone during the break but had simply remembered. Haddad concluded by remarking, "A mistake can always happen."
