Justice Minister to New AG: Beware the Powers that Fought your Nomination

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Bayit Yehudi) on Monday welcomed Israel's new Attorney General, Dr. Avichai Mandelblit, and warned him that "the same powerful elements who fought your nomination will attempt to influence you and your decisions. Hold on to your independence and stay loyal to the truth."

Shaked said she was delighted that the search committee, despite the many groups and individuals who had tried to steer it off its path, was wise enough to recommend a highly worthy adviser, endowed with values, professionalism and accomplishments. She pointed to Mandelblit's rich experience as the IDF Chief Prosecutor, and as Prime Minister Netanyahu's Cabinet Secretary, commending his "honesty, gentleness, professional integrity and exceptional humility."

Shaked also said farewell on the same occasion to outgoing AG Yehuda Weinstein, relating that she had accumulated many "Weinstein Hours," but that her most memorable meeting with him had been at a north-Tel Aviv gym, where the former AG practices the art of pugilism. "If you're not familiar with Weinstein's biography you may have been surprised to see him in his athletic outfit with his boxing gloves, soundly beating his opponents."

Also on Monday, Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev (Likud) announced Weinstein's appointment as the honorary president of Israel's boxing association.