Police Boost Forces Ahead of Netanyahu Trial Testimony

Israeli police have increased security measures in anticipation of the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, scheduled for Sunday in the ongoing trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mandelblit's appearance comes after Netanyahu's defense lawyers requested the court summon him via subpoena last month. His testimony is also slated for October 18-22, shortly before the upcoming elections.

Mandelblit is expected to be questioned about whether he recommended launching criminal investigations into the "File 1000" case, also known as the "Gifts Case." In this case, Netanyahu is accused of accepting benefits from businessman Arnon Milchan. This follows testimony from Minister Zeev Elkin three months prior regarding the "Israel Hayom" law, part of "File 2000."

Netanyahu himself attended Elkin's testimony at the Jerusalem District Court, an unusual appearance given his absence from over 20 other witness hearings in his trial. During Elkin's testimony, prosecutor Alon Gildin objected to a cross-examination, arguing Elkin was too closely identified with Netanyahu as a minister in his government and party. Elkin expressed discomfort at not being called as a prosecution witness, stating he felt he was on the "opposite side."

Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, protested the prosecution's objections, calling them "exercises" and inappropriate. Haddad also criticized prosecution witness Hadas Klein, accusing her of making disparaging remarks about Netanyahu and participating in protests. Ultimately, the judges allowed Elkin to be questioned in a primary examination, not a cross-examination.

In related proceedings, the District Court judges also permitted the publication that a witness referred to as "the associate" of Nir Hefetz, a former senior advisor to the Prime Minister and a state witness in "File 4000," testified for the first time. This hearing was held behind closed doors, and details were not released due to a gag order, though her testimony reportedly focused on the investigation procedures concerning her.