Mandelblit Reveals Pre-Planned Encounter with Journalist Dana Weiss
Former Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit admitted that a 2019 street encounter with journalist Dana Weiss was pre-planned by his spokesman, prompting Weiss to clarify she maintained full editorial independence.
Mandelblit Testifies on Planned Street Encounter with Journalist Dana Weiss
More than seven years after a prominent report was broadcast on Channel 12, former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has revealed new details regarding how his impromptu street encounter with journalist Dana Weiss was actually arranged. Mandelblit stated during cross-examination in the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the meeting was a planned background discussion orchestrated by his former spokesman, Moshe Cohen.
"This is what the spokesman suggested to me, to walk down the street and say hello to her, and I accepted his public relations proposal," Mandelblit testified. He added that while it might not have been the best idea, the meeting was intentional. The former Attorney General explained that the goal was to explain the decision-making process behind the investigations involving Benjamin Netanyahu, without delving into specific evidence or internal discussions.
Dana Weiss Issues Clear Clarification Regarding Editorial Control
Following Mandelblit's testimony, which sparked renewed public debate and criticism from various political and media figures, Dana Weiss published a firm clarification regarding the production of the January 2019 report.
"To remove any doubt: Avichai Mandelblit or anyone on his behalf did not receive editorial rights for the report, did not watch the report before its broadcast, did not edit anything in the report, and therefore could not have changed anything," Weiss stated.
Reactions from Media and Political Figures
The testimony drew sharp responses from media commentators and political circles. Likud spokesman Guy Levy criticized the broadcast, claiming it served as public relations to legitimize the investigative process. The unfolding legal proceedings continue to bring past media interactions under intense public scrutiny as the trial of Benjamin Netanyahu moves forward.
