Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies on Netanyahu Investigation Approvals

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in the Netanyahu trial, expressing strong disapproval of the wiretapping of Natan Eshel, then-Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit stated that this action, which he discovered and immediately halted, was unprecedented and deeply disturbed him, especially given Eshel's close proximity to the Prime Minister and involvement in sensitive matters. The wiretap was reportedly initiated based on police claims of bribery between Netanyahu and Sheldon Adelson, owner of Israel Hayom, with Eshel suspected of bribery mediation, receiving bribes, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.

Mandelblit asserted that he never authorized an investigation against Netanyahu himself for bribery related to Israel Hayom. During cross-examination by attorney Amit Haddad, Mandelblit confirmed that the wiretapping of Eshel was clearly connected to Netanyahu, which he found very agitating. He denied knowing that Koresh Bernor, then commander of the National Fraud Unit, was listening to Eshel's calls believing they raised genuine suspicion, and also denied knowing that the order to continue the wiretap likely came from then-head of the Investigation Unit, Meni Yitzhaki.

Defense attorney Haddad argued that the approvals to investigate Cases 1000 and 2000 stemmed from prior illegal investigative actions. Mandelblit acknowledged he did not inform Netanyahu in December 2016 that he would be investigated under caution, explaining he intentionally withheld details about the nature and specifics of the investigation. He also stated he was unaware of the details of Hadas Klein's initial investigation, including the lack of video recording, and that she and her driver, Jonathan Hasson, were questioned about gifts to the Netanyahus beyond the "Royal Beach" matter. Mandelblit further claimed he did not know Klein expressed animosity towards the Netanyahus outside of interrogation rooms.

Judge Moshe Bar-Am questioned Mandelblit's reaction to investigators probing topics he hadn't approved, to which Mandelblit responded he didn't recall but didn't cease the broader investigation into significant benefits. Bar-Am pressed on whether the approval was overly broad, allowing investigation of any person and matter regarding gifts for the Prime Minister. Mandelblit explained that a general approval was given for examining the issue, requiring status meetings and prior notification for deepening investigations into specific individuals or substantial benefit allegations.

Mandelblit clarified that while a general permit existed for examining the issue, specific approvals were needed for significant actions, and investigators were expected to report back for further authorization. He stated that the initial approval was for examining the subject matter, not for every single action. He also mentioned that while he didn't initially focus on specific items like cigars and champagne, information about a "supply chain" and the use of code names indicated concealment, justifying further investigation. Mandelblit also noted he was unaware that reporter Raviv Drucker was providing information to the police against Netanyahu, and that he didn't recall rejecting any serious requests for investigation.