Ex-Attorney General Mandelblit to Testify in Netanyahu's Corruption Trial

Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is set to testify on Sunday in the Jerusalem District Court as part of the "Case 4000" proceedings, in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of corruption. Mandelblit was summoned by Netanyahu's defense team, who stated their intention to call him from the trial's outset. His testimony, beginning two weeks before elections and likely extending beyond them, is considered a highly unusual event, as a former attorney general is being called to testify in a case he handled during his tenure.

The defense team plans for Mandelblit to testify for approximately seven days, followed by cross-examination by the prosecution. They intend to question him primarily on the legality of the investigation's initiation against the prime minister, particularly concerning the lack of required approvals under Basic Law: The Government. The prosecution and legal advisors maintain that all actions were lawful.

Additionally, Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Haddad, is expected to question Mandelblit about any pressures he may have faced from the then-State Attorney and other officials. Mandelblit had initially requested to postpone his testimony until November, citing his new role as dean of the law faculty at the Academic College of Ramat Gan, which requires extensive preparation for the academic year. He also expressed surprise at being summoned at the last minute during the holiday period. The judges denied his request, and his testimony will proceed as scheduled.

This testimony is part of the broader "Case 4000," one of three corruption cases against Prime Minister Netanyahu. The defense's strategy appears to focus on challenging the procedural aspects of the investigation and any potential external influences on the legal process.