Ex-Prosecutor Mandelblit Allegedly Intervenes in Judge Selection for Netanyahu Text Messages Case

In a recent court testimony, attorney Shacham-Shavit from the Israel Securities Authority revealed that then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit instructed him to inform Judge Ronit Poznanski-Katz that she had been chosen to preside over the sensitive 'text messages' case. This directive came despite the judge being on sabbatical at the time. Shacham-Shavit emphasized that this was not a mere request but a firm decision made by Mandelblit himself.

During cross-examination, Shacham-Shavit acknowledged the unusual nature of the Attorney General's involvement in appointing judges, stating he could not clarify the legal basis for such authority. This disclosure raises serious concerns about the separation of powers between the prosecution and judiciary, especially given the case's political sensitivity.

The 'text messages' affair previously shook Israel's judicial system when Judge Poznanski-Katz was suspended following revelations of improper communication with a Securities Authority representative. Although initially removed, she was later reinstated after a Supreme Court petition downgraded her suspension to a reprimand.

The new testimony suggests direct interference by senior legal officials in judicial assignments, potentially undermining judicial independence and fueling allegations of bias in cases involving former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The case continues to draw scrutiny amid ongoing investigations and trials related to Netanyahu, including the high-profile Case 4000.