Former AG Avichai Mandelblit Continues Testimony in Netanyahu Trial
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit continues his testimony in Benjamin Netanyahu's trial at the Jerusalem District Court, facing intense cross-examination over investigation approvals.
The testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues this morning at the Jerusalem District Court. This marks the sixth day of his testimony in the high-profile legal proceedings.
Defense attorney Amit Hadad is conducting the cross-examination today and is scheduled to continue questioning Mandelblit tomorrow as well. Last week, Hadad informed the court that the defense requires up to 10 additional days of testimony from the former attorney general to thoroughly present its case.
Cross-Examination on Investigation Approvals
During Thursday's session, Hadad focused heavily on the approvals given by Mandelblit to examine or investigate Cases 1000 and 2000, as well as specific investigative steps taken by law enforcement. The defense's core line of argument is that investigators exceeded the formal boundaries authorized by Mandelblit for the initial checks and subsequent probes.
Hadad presented a quote from Mandelblit during an early meeting with law enforcement leadership regarding Case 1000. According to the transcript, Mandelblit stated: "With all due respect to cigars, champagne, and a suit, this is not the substance I was looking for. This is definitely not what I authorized at the time. Now we are going to question Netanyahu, which I have no problem with you doing, if you find grounds for it."
Mandelblit explained to the court that this statement followed testimonies regarding sporadic gifts, such as cigars smoked together or leaving a couple of extra cigars for Netanyahu. While describing it as impolite, he maintained it did not constitute grounds for a criminal investigation under caution at that stage.
Turning Point in the Investigation
Addressing the origin of the investigative leads, Mandelblit clarified that the turning point for the case was the testimony of Hadas Klein. He noted that prior to her testimony, based on the material presented to him at the time, he did not authorize a full criminal investigation into certain aspects, but rather permitted checking into significant gifts from businessmen.
Initially during Sunday's session, Mandelblit stated that he had not authorized investigating whether Yair Netanyahu was using an apartment belonging to billionaire James Packer at the Royal Beach Hotel in Tel Aviv rent-free. However, following a brief recess requested by Hadad, Mandelblit corrected his statement, confirming that he had indeed authorized the investigation once the issue of potential illicit benefits from businessmen was raised.
