Netanyahu's Trial: Ex-Attorney General Mandeblit to Testify Days Before Election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit be summoned to testify in his trial, with the defense aiming for the testimony to occur just two days before the upcoming elections. Mandelblit held the position of Attorney General during the period when the investigations against Netanyahu were initiated. The defense seeks to bring him to court as part of the ongoing evidence phase.

This request stems from the defense's ongoing argument that the necessary approval for launching the investigations against the Prime Minister was not properly obtained. Previously, the defense had sought to dismiss the indictment, citing "defense from justice," but the court rejected this in February 2021. At that time, the prosecution presented protocols indicating Mandelblit had verbally approved the investigation's commencement, although the judges noted the absence of written approval.

Throughout the evidence phase, the defense has been questioning various investigators regarding the procedures preceding the investigations into Netanyahu, attempting to determine if investigative actions began before the alleged approval. In recent months, protocols from discussions held in Mandelblit's office concerning the suspicions against the Prime Minister have also been revealed.

Earlier this week, the defense also requested that former Knesset Member Eitan Cabel testify, but he is currently serving in the reserves and unavailable. The defense is continuing to compile its list of witnesses, having previously stated their intention to call former senior law enforcement officials, including Mandelblit, after Netanyahu concluded his testimony.