Mandelblit decries ‘false claims’ against prosecutors as new justice minister takes office

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit decries “false claims” against prosecutors, in apparent reference to criticism by supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom Mandelblit indicted in a series of graft cases.

Mandelblit is speaking at the passing of the baton ceremony at the Justice Ministry, where Blue and White lawmaker Avi Nissenkorn takes over for Likud MK Amir Ohana.

“You are facing many challenges and we’re here to help you. We have one path, the path of law and justice. Even when the winds outside are stormy, even when they try to divert us from our path, raising false claims and trying to harm our work, this is our way,” Mandelblit tells Nissenkorn.

He also addresses Ohana, a Netanyahu loyalist whom he frequently clashed with since the Likud lawmaker became acting justice minister last year.

“It’s no secret there were disputes between us, but alongside them there was good joint work,” Mandelblit says.