Former AG Mandelblit: Police did not need new consent for each step in Netanyahu probe

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit returned to the Jerusalem District Court on Monday to clarify the scope of police authority during the investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The defense is focused on whether investigators acted within the specific approvals Mandelblit granted.

Mandelblit authorized the initial investigations and later signed the indictment. He is currently testifying for the defense. Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, asked what specific actions required fresh consent from the former attorney general.

The trial began in May 2020 and covers three cases involving alleged gifts and media dealings. In Case 1000, the focus is on valuable gifts from businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer. Hadad argued that investigators exceeded their mandate when they questioned Hadas Klein, Milchan's assistant, and Yonatan Hasson, Packer's driver.

Mandelblit responded that these questionings fell within his broader permission to examine suspicions that Netanyahu received substantial benefits. He stated that this authorization remained in force. Investigators did not need to return to him for approval of each individual action.

Judge Moshe Bar-Am asked how police could distinguish between covered steps and those needing new consent. Mandelblit explained that the subject matter he approved set the boundaries. Only significant developments required further consultation with him.

In testimony on Sunday, Mandelblit addressed the wiretapping of Natan Eshel, a close confidant of the prime minister. He said he ordered police to stop the operation once he learned of it. Although investigators had a court warrant, Mandelblit argued that the sensitivity of Eshel's role meant they should have sought his prior approval.

Netanyahu faces charges of fraud and breach of trust in all three cases. A bribery charge also applies in Case 4000 regarding regulatory benefits for Bezeq. The prime minister denies all wrongdoing.