Former Tel Aviv district attorney is Justice Minister Sa'ar's preferred pick; selection committee also backs deputy AG Roi Scheindorf and Defense Ministry legal adviser Itai Ofir

Departing AG, who indicted the ex-PM for graft, tells ministers they must put 'interests of the state before their political and personal interests,' as he ends term after 6 years

Justice Minister Sa'ar to then pick Avichai Mandelblit's successor out of shortlist, pending cabinet okay; frontrunner said to be ex-Tel Aviv district attorney Gali Baharav-Miara

Mandelblit said to believe ex-PM will be jailed if trial goes to conclusion, but worries shaky coalition could collapse first, defendant could return to office, change the system

In likely setback to plans pushed by defense minister and IDF chief to shutter station, deputy AG says government must make decision on its fate

Recently retired judge tells Haaretz Israel was 'close' to democratic collapse, describes ex-premier's court appearance as 'a scary scene'

Mandelblit reportedly says he won't stay on 'another minute'; committee recommending candidates aims to appoint acting AG instead

2 current deputy AGs and former Tel Aviv District attorney named as potentials, more candidates may be added before December 20 deadline

After Mandelblit was said to tell associates privately that ex-PM was a danger to democracy, MK Shlomo Karhi accuses AG of 'corrupt coup'

Avichai Mandelblit said to tell associates privately that the ex-PM he put on trial hoped to appoint prosecutors and judges who would protect him; 'democracy not guaranteed'