Smotrich after Mandelblit's testimony: 'Cleared Netanyahu of all guilt'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply attacked former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit following his testimony in the Netanyahu trial. According to the minister, Mandelblit admitted to filing an indictment against a sitting prime minister without reviewing the evidence, dragging the country into years of chaos. Smotrich claimed the testimony confirmed serious offenses in the investigation, unauthorized openings, and improper investigative tactics, and pledged to reform the justice system.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply attacked former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit today (Monday) following his testimony last night in the Netanyahu trial. According to the minister, Mandelblit's testimony proves claims of political persecution against the prime minister aimed at toppling right-wing rule, not through the ballot box. Smotrich said Mandelblit effectively admitted to filing an indictment against a sitting prime minister, dragging the State of Israel into years of chaos without even reviewing the evidence. He added that the former attorney general confirmed in his testimony that serious offenses were committed in the investigation, that it was opened without the required approvals, and that improper investigative tactics were used. The minister emphasized that all these moves were intended to pressure, blackmail witnesses, and topple the right from power. He stated that this is the reason for insisting on judicial reform and pledged: "MK Rothman and I will clean the stables, fix the Israeli justice system, and strengthen democracy."