AG Mandelblit asks to 'let us work' as former Netanyahu advisor considers state witness deal
'Give us time and we'll uncover the truth,' says AG Mandelblit regarding multiple corruption cases linked to PM Netanyahu, as his former Chief of Staff considers state witness deal.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit remarked Thursday morning on ongoing police talks with Ari Harow, former Chief of Staff for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding his signing a state witness deal.
"We're moving forward and working in full cooperation with the police on the matter," Mandelblit said at the retirement ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Salim Joubran.
"I think matters speak for themselves," he added. "We're doing what we ought to be, just give us time to work and we'll uncover the truth."
In the past, police referred to Harow as the Netanyahu family's "minister of finance," believing he possess information pertaining to the Netanyahu couple's expenses during their overseas trips.
Israeli television channels have also reported that Harow may be able to shed light on the submarine affair, with police investigators questioning him whether foreign businessmen funded any of the Netanyahu family's expenses and if so, who they were.
Investigators stated that Harow was also seemingly has information on certain "gifts" the Netanyahus have received, such as cigars and drinks.
Harow's lawyer stated his client is willing to discuss these matters in return for a state witness deal.
Legal sources estimate new testimony will necessitate the reopening of Case 1000, which deals with high-priced gifts the Netanyahus supposedly received from billionaire Arnon Milchan, in which case Netanyahu will be called in for further questioning. Other parties are also expected to be called in.
As part of the conflict of interests arrangement Harow signed before ascending to the position of Chief of Staff, he took it upon himself to sell a company he owned and no longer attend to affairs relating to it.
Findings of the investigation show the company's sale was merely for appearances, using misrepresentation, while in effect Harow continued to hold ownership of it, reaping its profits and promoting its affairs using his public platform.
Harrow also previously testified on Case 2000, involving conversations in which Netanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes seemingly colluded to harm Mozes competitor Yisrael Hayom for less critical coverage of Netanyahu in
Yedioth, after tapes of the Netanyahu-Arnon Mozes conversations were found in his possession.
Arnon Mozes is the publisher and owner of Yedioth Ahronoth Group, which includes Ynet.
