Former A-G Avichai Mandelblit begins testimony in Netanyahu trial over investigations authorization

Former attorney-general Avichai Mandelblit commenced his role as a defense witness in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial on Sunday. Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar were present in the courtroom for the proceedings. This marked Sa ar's first courtroom appearance during the trial. Mandelblit was responsible for authorizing investigations into Netanyahu, leading to indictments in Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000.

His testimony is anticipated to examine whether police investigators adhered to the parameters of the approvals he granted, a matter the defense has emphasized throughout the proceedings.

Netanyahu's trial, which commenced in May 2020, encompasses three cases. Case 1000 pertains to allegations that Netanyahu and his family received gifts from affluent businessmen. Case 2000 involves recorded conversations with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon Mozes about a potential exchange: more favorable coverage for Netanyahu in the newspaper in return for actions to restrain rival Israel Hayom.

Case 4000 asserts that Netanyahu advanced regulatory measures advantageous to Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage on the Walla news site. Netanyahu stands accused of fraud and breach of trust in Cases 1000 and 2000, and bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Case 4000. Netanyahu maintains his innocence.

According to Basic Law: The Government, a criminal investigation against a serving prime minister necessitates the attorney-general’s consent. Netanyahu's legal team contends that investigators exceeded the scope of Mandelblit’s approval and has contested evidence obtained during those actions. The defense argues that police investigators ventured beyond the boundaries of what Mandelblit had authorized.

Prosecutors refute this assertion, asserting that Mandelblit approved the investigations, including inquiries into gifts presented to Netanyahu.

A crucial point of contention is how Mandelblit provided and documented those approvals. Mandelblit conferred them verbally during meetings with law enforcement officials, while the Justice Ministry recorded them instead of issuing individual written authorizations. Judges have previously expressed concerns over this method. The court permitted Mandelblit to testify, as his statements are pertinent to the debate concerning the extent of police authorization to investigate.

The defense requested seven days of testimony, scheduled from October 11 to 12, followed by October 18-22, prior to the upcoming October 27 election. The judges might curtail the questioning and may not require all seven days.