Efi Noyek's Presence at Netanyahu Trial Raises Questions of Influence
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Efi Noyek attended Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, sitting opposite former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, raising concerns about potential influence. Noyek, previously investigated for alleged airport misconduct, may possess damaging recordings of Mandelblit. The article speculates this could explain Mandelblit's cautious testimony regarding past statements about Netanyahu's cases.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Efi Noyek attended Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, invited by the defense, sitting opposite ex-AG Avichai Mandelblit.
- Noyek's presence raises concerns about potential influence on Mandelblit's testimony.
- Noyek was previously investigated for alleged airport misconduct, a case Mandelblit recused himself from.
- Leaked recordings suggest Noyek may hold sensitive information about Mandelblit's interactions.
- The article speculates this could explain Mandelblit's hesitant testimony.
- Mandelblit's past statements on Netanyahu's cases are under scrutiny.
Efi Noyek, the former Chairman of the Israel Bar Association, attended the trial of Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, invited by Netanyahu's defense attorney, Amit Haddad. Noyek sat directly opposite his former friend, ex-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who was testifying. Noyek's presence has sparked concern that he might attempt to influence Mandelblit's testimony, particularly in light of past recordings that could embarrass Mandelblit.
In 2018, Noyek allegedly used his "gate pass" to bypass border control at Ben Gurion Airport with his then-girlfriend while he was undergoing a contentious divorce. He was suspected of criminal offenses, but Mandelblit, then Attorney General, recused himself from the investigation due to their friendship. Later, in 2020, a leaked phone conversation revealed Mandelblit speaking candidly with Noyek about his relationship with State Prosecutor Shi Nitzan, suggesting potential leverage Noyek might hold.
The article suggests that Noyek may possess further recorded conversations or correspondence with Mandelblit that could be damaging if released. This potential threat, the report speculates, might explain Mandelblit's occasional hesitancy on the stand when questioned about past statements concerning Netanyahu's cases. Mandelblit's responses, such as "I might have said that," could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of these sensitive communications, possibly fearing their exposure through media or defense questioning.
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