Mandelblit Begins Testimony on Investigation Approvals in Netanyahu Trial

Former attorney general Avichai Mandelblit began testifying Sunday morning as a defense witness in Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial at Jerusalem District Court, with the prime minister attending. Questioning concerns the approvals he gave investigators and whether police exceeded them. Netanyahu’s defense argues that some investigative actions lacked the required authorization, while prosecutors maintain that the investigation was lawful and properly authorized. Deputy State Attorney Yehonatan Tadmor said prosecutors did not oppose Mandelblit’s testimony because of this case’s exceptional circumstances. He said their decision did not represent a general change in policy on calling prosecutors as witnesses.