Netanyahu's Defense Seeks Former Attorney General Testimony Before Elections
Defense attorneys for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have requested to summon former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit to testify just days before the October 2026 elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defense team has requested to summon former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit to testify in court just days before the upcoming Knesset elections.
Defense Strategy and Court Proceedings
Attorneys Amit Hadad and Noa Milstein formally petitioned the court to issue a subpoena for Mandelblit, setting potential testimony dates for October 2026. While defense teams generally hold the legal right to call witnesses, summoning former prosecution officials or legal advisers is highly unusual and strictly regulated by the judiciary.
Legal experts note that previous attempts by defendants to summon prosecutors—such as in the submarine affair—were routinely rejected by the courts. However, Netanyahu's defense relies on the precedent that the prosecution previously called former Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein to testify during the trial.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
"The defense aims to confront Mandelblit on critical decisions, including the initial approval of investigations against the prime minister and his stance on Case 4000," legal analysts observed.
While Mandelblit's testimony will not necessarily favor the defendants, political commentators suggest the timing is calculated. High-profile courtroom exchanges just weeks before voters head to the polls on October 27, 2026, are expected to generate significant public resonance and shape the political discourse.
