Ministers bid farewell to AG Mandelblit at end of his six-year term

Ministers pay tribute to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who is set to leave the job this week after six years.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says that Mandelblit has filled a “great and significant” role. “We all owe you a debt of gratitude. On behalf of the government of Israel, I would like to thank you, Avichai, for many dedicated years of service to the State of Israel.”

Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar, attending the meeting virtually after contracting COVID, says Mandelblit had a “crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and the democratic regime in Israel.” Sa’ar praises Mandelblit saying he had remained professional while under “an open, long, continuous and unstoppable attack — and stood up for the truth.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz says Mandelblit has greatly “contributed to the security of the State of Israel, and to the preservation of democracy.” He says that the outgoing attorney general withstood attacks on the justice system and always acted with “integrity, stateliness and loyalty to the State of Israel and its citizens.”

Mandelblit is set to retire on Tuesday, with no replacement yet selected for the position.