Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies Police Wiretapped Netanyahu Associate Without His Knowledge
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified that police wiretapped Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associate, Nathan Eshel, without his prior approval, causing him anger. The defense presented evidence that police anticipated intercepting calls with Netanyahu. Mandelblit demanded the wiretap's removal upon learning of it, arguing he was not given the chance to assess the operation's necessity. This testimony supports the defense's claim of systemic failures and overreach in the investigation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Mandelblit testified police wiretapped Netanyahu associate Eshel without his knowledge.
- Mandelblit became angry and demanded the wiretap's removal upon learning of it.
- Defense presented a police document anticipating calls with Netanyahu would be intercepted.
- Mandelblit stated he was not informed in advance about the wiretap operation.
- The defense argues the wiretap aimed to circumvent legal procedures for investigating the PM.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified Sunday in the Prime Minister's trial that police conducted wiretaps on the phone of Nathan Eshel, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, without his prior knowledge or approval. Mandelblit stated that upon learning of the wiretap, he became angry and demanded its immediate cessation, partly due to the possibility of intercepting conversations with Netanyahu himself. The defense presented a police document indicating investigators anticipated calls with the Prime Minister, ministers, and Knesset members would be recorded.
During his testimony, Mandelblit confirmed that he was not informed in advance about the wiretap on Eshel's phone. Responding to questions from Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, Mandelblit recounted that the discovery of the operation angered him and led him to demand the removal of the listening post. This revelation came after the defense displayed a police document suggesting investigators foresaw the interception of calls between Eshel and Netanyahu, as well as other public officials.
Haddad argued that the purpose of the wiretap on Eshel was to directly collect conversations with Netanyahu, and questioned Mandelblit on whether this objective was brought to his attention. Mandelblit unequivocally stated, "It was not reported. It was not reported from the beginning." When asked about his actions upon discovering the police operation, Mandelblit recalled it angered him greatly, stating, "This concrete thing, it's clear it's related to the Prime Minister, it bothered me a lot."
Mandelblit clarified that he expected investigators to approach him before undertaking such an intrusive and sensitive measure concerning someone close to the Prime Minister, allowing him to consider the justifications. He felt this opportunity was denied, which is why he insisted on its removal. The defense emphasized that the wiretap is an extreme investigative measure requiring strict legal scrutiny, and the prosecution contended the warrant targeted Eshel directly, with Netanyahu's mention serving only as general background.
