Ex-AG Mandelblit Testifies He Doubted Netanyahu's Intent in Case 2000
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified that he doubted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intent to fulfill a deal discussed with Noni Mozes in Case 2000. Mandelblit confirmed he deliberated whether to investigate Netanyahu at all, despite believing there was a reasonable suspicion of an offense. He stated that even an attempt at bribery is a crime, but his belief about Netanyahu's lack of intent could weaken the prosecution's case. The defense argues the conversations were political talk without criminal intent.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former AG Mandelblit testified he doubted PM Netanyahu's intent in Case 2000.
- Mandelblit confirmed deliberations on whether to investigate Netanyahu at all.
- He believed Netanyahu did not intend to fulfill the deal with Noni Mozes.
- Mandelblit stressed that even an attempt at bribery is a criminal offense.
- His testimony could weaken the prosecution's case regarding criminal intent.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified on Monday that he had serious deliberations regarding the decision to investigate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Case 2000. During his seventh day of testimony at the Jerusalem District Court, Mandelblit confirmed under questioning by Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, that he had indeed considered whether an investigation was warranted at all.
Mandelblit explained that throughout the process, he believed and assessed that the Prime Minister did not intend to fulfill the deal discussed in recorded conversations with Noni Mozes, the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth. However, he emphasized that even an attempt to commit bribery could constitute a criminal offense.
The former Attorney General's statements came as Haddad presented documents and protocols from the period preceding the investigation, seeking to clarify how the decision to investigate Netanyahu in Case 2000 was reached. Mandelblit affirmed that he had weighed the possibility of investigating Netanyahu as a witness rather than a suspect, but firmly denied ever suggesting such a course of action, stating, "I don't remember anything like that, there was never such a thing."
Case 2000 concerns conversations between Netanyahu and Mozes regarding potential changes in media coverage of the Prime Minister and his family, alongside legislative steps concerning the newspaper Israel Hayom. The defense argues these conversations were mere political talk without intent to commit a crime. Mandelblit's admission that he believed Netanyahu lacked criminal intent could significantly weaken the prosecution's case regarding bribery and fraud, potentially impacting the judges' decision on the Prime Minister's criminal intent.
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