Ex-AG Mandelblit Suggests Journalist Ben Caspit 'Operated' Police
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Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, suggesting journalist Ben Caspit "operated" police investigators rather than being investigated by them. Mandelblit expressed discomfort with the relationship, which defense lawyers claim began before he took office. He also addressed allegations of leaks and the use of drivers as sources, stating he was unaware of some actions at the time but suspected pressure tactics. The defense's claims about Caspit's alleged role were not definitively resolved during the testimony.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Former AG Mandelblit testified that journalist Ben Caspit "operated" police investigators.
- Mandelblit expressed discomfort with Caspit's alleged relationship with police during Netanyahu's trial.
- Defense lawyers claimed police met Caspit before Mandelblit became AG to gather info on Netanyahu.
- Mandelblit denied knowing about some alleged actions but suspected leaks aimed to pressure him.
- The defense's claims about Caspit's role were not resolved during the testimony.
During the cross-examination of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defense attorney Amit Haddad raised questions about journalist Ben Caspit's alleged connections with senior police officials during the early stages of Case 1000. Mandelblit testified that he was unaware of some of the described actions and made a notable statement regarding the relationship between Caspit and investigators. "I had a feeling that instead of the police investigating, he was operating the police," Mandelblit said when asked if he had requested to cease contact with Caspit, adding that the conduct caused him discomfort.
Haddad presented claims that police officer Eran Kamin met with Caspit in November 2015, before Mandelblit took office, and asked him to use a private investigator to gather information on Netanyahu. Mandelblit stated he was unaware of these events. Haddad further alleged that Caspit proceeded to collect information, including through secret recordings and conversations with various sources. Mandelblit clarified that using a journalist as an arm of the police without proper authorization would be improper, distinguishing it from independent journalistic inquiry.
Mandelblit also addressed claims that Caspit's sources included the Prime Minister's drivers, who allegedly provided information they were obligated to keep secret. He stated he learned of this later but did not recall the exact timing, and denied taking action to investigate the matter at the time. When asked if he had requested to stop the police's contact with Caspit, Mandelblit responded, "Almost certainly yes. I think so," citing his feeling that Caspit was directing the police rather than the investigators conducting the probe.
The questioning also touched upon Caspit's publications against the Attorney General's office and alleged leaks from law enforcement. Mandelblit confirmed he was unaware of investigators pressuring Caspit for information, but suspected leaks were intended to pressure him to advance the Netanyahu investigation, though he denied succumbing to such pressure and asserted he acted on his own judgment.
Regarding a January 2019 report by Dana Weiss revealing details from internal discussions in his office, Mandelblit confirmed a background conversation with her and admitted a seemingly chance street meeting was planned by his spokesperson as legitimate public relations to explain decision-making processes, not to reveal case evidence. The defense's claims regarding Caspit's alleged operation by the police and the legality of the described actions were not resolved during the testimony.
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