Former Attorney-General Mandelblit begins Benjamin Netanyahu trial testimony over investigations

Former attorney-general Avichai Mandelblit testified Sunday that investigators carried out serious actions in the cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without his approval. He said he had wanted the main investigative steps reviewed, but had not expected to approve every police action.“There were things I did not approve, including serious things,” Mandelblit told the Jerusalem District Court.Mandelblit, who approved investigations into Netanyahu and later decided to indict him in Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000, was called by the defense. Netanyahu's lawyers argue investigators exceeded the scope of Mandelblit's approvals and that some actions began without the consent required by law. The prosecution says he authorized the investigations, including orally, and that the defense is mischaracterizing those approvals.The testimony is expected to continue Monday.