AG: Personal Friendship Wouldn’t Deter Me From Indicting Netanyahu

Jerusalem, 15 February, 2018 (TPS) -- Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit threw his backing behind the Israel Police Thursday, saying investigators conducted there inquiries into Cases 1000 and 2000 in a professional and satisfactory manner.

After receiving the police summary of the investigation, Mandelblit must decide if there is enough evidence to indict Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on corruption charges.

Speaking at an event organized by the Friends of Tel Aviv University Association and The Liberal Magazine, Mandelblit said the State Prosecutor’s Office and police department worked for the investigation   in close and excellent cooperation, although rumors about tensions between them.

“We are all parts of the same system; all together we are the law enforcement apparatus, which is a strong and cohesive system that operates independently, impartially and without fear,” he said.

The statement was Mandelblit’s first since police recommended filing criminal charges against Netanyahu on Tuesday.

Mandelblit dispelled rumours of tensions between general prosecutor and police investigators, saying the teams worked closely and with exemplary cooperation.

“We were guided solely by professional considerations,” he said. “I absolutely reject claims that any of the parties involved in the investigations acted in an unprofessional manner,” he said.  

Responding to criticism that he would be hesitant to file charges against Netanyahu – the two are long-time confidants, with Mandelblit once having served as Netanyahu’s cabinet secretary – Mandel said he would be able to maintain his professionalism, although it will not be a pleasant task.

“Of course, it would be difficult for me to fill an indictment against any prime minister or any minister who is currently serving. But I was raised to look for the truth, and I would have no problem if I had to indict the prime minister, or anyone else.”

Mandelblit also referred to the question if the Prime Minister should resign at this stage of the investigations. “He is innocent until proven otherwise,” he said “but it is clear that the recommendations have significance.

“However, they have no legal validity,” Mandelblit said.