Netanyahu Trial Judges Reject Former AG Mandelblit's Request to Postpone Testimony

The judges presiding over the trial of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have temporarily rejected a request by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit to postpone his testimony until after the upcoming Knesset elections. Mandelblit, who is also the dean of the law faculty at Ono Academic College, had asked to delay his testimony, currently scheduled for October, citing several professional and personal constraints.

In a letter submitted to the court, Mandelblit explained that the opening of the academic year on October 4th requires significant attention and preparation. He also noted an upcoming two-week trip abroad and the constraints imposed by the High Holidays (Chagim) as further reasons making it difficult to prepare for and deliver his testimony at the scheduled time. He acknowledged the importance of advancing the trial but requested the court consider his circumstances.

However, the judges, Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham, ruled that the reasons provided did not justify altering the established dates at this stage. Their decision stated, "The reasons presented do not justify a change in the scheduled dates."

Despite the rejection, the court left the door open for a potential reconsideration. The judges indicated that they would review Mandelblit's request again if the defense team proposes other witnesses who can testify during the originally scheduled October dates or parts thereof. For now, Mandelblit's testimony remains set for its current dates.