Ex-AG Mandelblit Recalls Meeting State Witness Filber Amid Netanyahu Trial

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit returned to the witness stand on Tuesday in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the proceedings, a dispute arose between prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh and Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, regarding the exact date the indictment was filed.

Hadad pressed Mandelblit about a meeting between himself and state witness Shlomo Filber. Mandelblit stated that Filber, as Secretary to the Government, visited his office frequently, and their acquaintance continued after Filber became Director-General of the Ministry of Communications. When asked if he remembered Filber testifying or if Filber had discussed matters relevant to the investigation with him, Mandelblit initially claimed not to remember, stating it was "a long time ago."

Hadad insisted, mentioning that Filber had prepared a table of meetings and asked if Mandelblit had been updated on the case during the trial by the Ministry of Justice. Mandelblit denied this. Hadad then presented that Filber had brought a list of meetings, including one with Mandelblit before he became Attorney General concerning Bezeq matters. Mandelblit still did not recall.

Eventually, Mandelblit recalled the meeting, stating, "Now I remember, he met me at Shufersal." Hadad added that Filber had even mentioned the meeting took place near challah bread. The defense lawyer also questioned Mandelblit about whether the state witness had spoken to him about Bezeq issues and media reports.