Court Rejects Former AG Mandelblit's Request to Delay Testimony in Netanyahu Trial

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit requested that the Jerusalem District Court postpone his testimony in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, originally scheduled for October 2026. Mandelblit, who is now the dean of the new law faculty at Ono Academic College, asked to testify in November or December 2026, after the 26th Knesset elections.

Mandelblit cited professional reasons for his request, explaining that the academic year at the new law faculty was set to begin on November 1, 2026. He argued that the period after the Sukkot holiday is critical for intensive work, including recruiting faculty, training administrative staff, admitting students, and developing curricula, all of which require his full attention. He also mentioned that a key faculty member assisting with the faculty's establishment is currently serving in reserve duty, further complicating preparations.

However, Judge Rivka Friedman-Feldman denied the request, stating that Mandelblit's justifications did not warrant a change to the established schedule. The court indicated that it is not inclined to delay the proceedings concerning his central testimony.

Despite the rejection, the court left open a possibility for reconsideration. If the defense team proposes alternative witnesses who can testify on the scheduled dates, Mandelblit's request to postpone his testimony will be reviewed again. This means Mandelblit could only achieve his goal of delaying his testimony if an agreement is reached to bring other witnesses forward.