Legal Expert: Mandated Testimony Will Transform Netanyahu Trial

Professor Moshe Cohen Eliya stated on Sunday that the upcoming testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the Benjamin Netanyahu trial will fundamentally alter the proceedings. Speaking on Radio Galai Israel, Cohen Eliya suggested Mandelblit, who he believes knew the implications of his actions, will now face consequences.

"He knew where to go, he knew where the butter was spread, and now he will have to pay the price," Cohen Eliya said. "Soon he is supposed to appear in court, and that is going to be one of the events. Wow. Popcorn. It's a shame they aren't broadcasting it to all of Israel."

Cohen Eliya characterized the trial's shift as moving from "The State of Israel versus Benjamin Netanyahu" to "Benjamin Netanyahu versus the State Prosecutor's Office," or more broadly, "the people of Israel versus the deep state," deeming the indictment severe.

Earlier, Dr. Yaakov Ben-Shamesh also commented on Mandelblit's summons. He raised concerns about police investigators allegedly exceeding their authority and violating the law, including provisions requiring legal counsel approval for investigations against a prime minister. Ben-Shamesh questioned what Mandelblit knew, approved, or if actions were taken without prosecutorial consent.

"Let's hear what Mandelblit knew about all this, what Mandelblit approved of all this, what was done without the prosecution's approval," Ben-Shamesh urged. He expressed apprehension about Mandelblit testifying, warning, "God knows what hornet's nest is about to be opened."