Mandelblit Testifies on Scope of Police Powers in Netanyahu Trial

Former Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit appeared at the Jerusalem District Court on Monday to continue testifying in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His return to the witness stand allows the defense to scrutinize the exact limits of the investigative powers Mandelblit granted to police during the initial stages of the probe.

Mandelblit authorized the original investigations and later signed off on the indictment. During his testimony on Sunday, he stated that he ordered police to cease wiretapping Natan Eshel, a close associate of Netanyahu, after learning of the operation. Although investigators held a court warrant, Mandelblit argued that listening to someone so central to the prime minister's personal and political life required prior consultation with him.

The hearing shifted on Monday to the preliminary examination that expanded into Case 1000. This case involves allegations that Netanyahu received valuable gifts from businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer, as well as actions taken to benefit Milchan. Defense attorney Amit Hadad questioned whether investigators went beyond Mandelblit's authorization when they interviewed Hadas Klein, Milchan's assistant, and Yonatan Hasson, Packer's driver.

Mandelblit maintained that these interviews fell within his broader permission to examine suspicions that Netanyahu received substantial benefits from businessmen. He asserted that this general authorization remained in force and that investigators did not need to return to him for approval of each individual step. He clarified that the subject matter he approved set the boundaries, while significant developments would call for further consultation.

Judge Moshe Bar-Am asked how investigators were expected to distinguish between steps covered by that authorization and those requiring additional consent. Mandelblit answered that the scope of the approved subject matter defined the limits of their actions.

Netanyahu's trial began in May 2020 and covers three cases involving alleged gifts and dealings with media owners. He faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in all three. In Case 4000, he also faces a bribery charge concerning alleged regulatory benefits for Bezeq in exchange for intervention in the news coverage of Walla. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

The trial continues to examine the procedural steps taken by investigators. Mandelblit's testimony provides the defense with a detailed account of the approvals given during the investigative phase of the case.