Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies on Wiretap Order for Netanyahu Associate
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial regarding a wiretap order for Netanyahu associate Natan Eshel. Mandelblit expressed anger that the wiretap was pursued without his explicit prior approval, stating he had stopped it. He also addressed questions about potential political connections and bribery suspicions related to Case 1000 and Case 2000.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Mandelblit testified in PM Netanyahu's trial about a wiretap on associate Natan Eshel.
- Mandelblit stated he was angered by the wiretap and had sought to stop it.
- He testified that the wiretap was pursued without his required advance approval.
- Netanyahu's lawyer questioned Mandelblit on political connections and bribery allegations.
- Mandelblit clarified his approval process for investigations into various cases.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified Sunday at the Jerusalem District Court in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, questioned Mandelblit about a wiretap order issued for Natan Eshel, an associate of the Prime Minister, an action Mandelblit had sought to halt.
Mandelblit stated that while investigators did obtain a warrant to listen to Eshel, he believed such a measure required his personal approval and he had stopped it. "It greatly angered me when it turned out that's what happened. It was indeed stopped. It is unlike any other action I encountered," Mandelblit testified, adding, "The expectation was that something like this, if desired, would be brought before me in advance, and that was not done. It came up in discussion, I don't remember exactly how I discovered it, not that it surprised me."
During the questioning, Haddad asked if Mandelblit had requested an inquiry, to which the former AG responded he didn't recall. Haddad also inquired about political connections, with Mandelblit explaining that when dealing with someone handling the Prime Minister's political and diplomatic affairs, one must be cautious about listening in, as it could reveal sensitive political connections. He stressed he would not permit listening unless there was suspicion linking the individual to a crime.
Haddad presented the wiretap order for Eshel, which cited information linking him to obstruction of justice, influencing an investigation, bribery, conspiracy, and mediation for bribery. Mandelblit clarified that the approvals he gave were for subject areas of investigation, not specific individuals or warnings, and he did not recall approving an investigation into the Prime Minister for obstruction or undue influence.
When questioned about the investigation into whether the Prime Minister allegedly received bribes in the "Case 2000" affair concerning "Israel Hayom," Mandelblit stated it could potentially lead there. He confirmed approving investigations into business people receiving benefits but did not connect Case 2000 to it at the time, though he acknowledged it could be linked to suspicions in "Case 1000."
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