According to the news of The Times of Israel newspaper, the hearing of Mandelblit, who was called by Netanyahu's lawyers to testify regarding the allegations of irregularities in the investigation process, at the Jerusalem District Court was watched by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who usually does not follow the case from the courtroom, as well as some cabinet members.
Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, claimed during the hearing that some steps in the investigation were taken without the official permission of Attorney General Mandelblit or exceeding the scope of the approval given. Mandelblit, on the other hand, said that he gave verbal consent to the inspectors, but did not put it in an official written document.
Answering the questions of Netanyahu's lawyer Hadad, Mandelblit said about the attitude of the Israeli police during the investigation process, "At one stage, I thought the police were doing something behind my back." he claimed.
Mandelblit said that the Israeli police harshly criticized the illegal wiretapping of Natan Eshel, who was Netanyahu's Private Secretary at the time, as part of the investigation, and that they immediately stopped this action, which they found unacceptable, as soon as they learned about it.
NETANYAHU SUPPORTERS TARGETED MANDELBILT
While Mandelblit arrived at the court building, the ruling Likud Party MPs and Netanyahu supporters, who were waiting in front of the courtroom, taunted former Chief Prosecutor Mandelblit with harsh words.
Likud MP Tally Gotliv asked Mandelblit, "How did you sign that indictment? How did you do this to us? You owe the public an answer!" loaded with his words.
On the other hand, Mandelblit emphasized that Ayala Hasson, a journalist working for Israeli state television KAN, physically attacked him as he entered the courtroom and said, "Unfortunately, I am in an environment where I cannot be protected from harassment. A journalist comes to me with a mobile phone and makes unfounded allegations that I cannot answer." He expressed his reaction with these words.
Journalist Hasson, on the other hand, denied the allegations against him and claimed that he did not commit any attack, but only politely asked questions while filming.
PRE-ELECTION HEARING CREATED DEBATE
Mandelblit, who filed an indictment against Netanyahu on charges of "fraud", "abuse of power" and "bribery", was accused by Netanyahu of trying to liquidate him politically in the past, and the former Chief Prosecutor flatly denied these allegations.
Netanyahu's lawyers' request for seven hearing days for Mandelblit's interrogation and the timing of the interrogation just before the elections are interpreted in the Israeli press as a move to draw public attention to allegations of irregularities in the investigation.
Mandelblit's testimony is expected to continue after the election on October 27.
CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST NETANYAHU
The Israeli Prime Minister is being tried on charges of "bribery, fraud and abuse of power" within the scope of 3 separate corruption files known as "1000", "2000" and "4000".
US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in November 2025 to pardon Netanyahu, who was tried for corruption.
Although Netanyahu had previously said that he would not request amnesty, he applied to Herzog at the end of November 2025 for amnesty for the corruption cases in which he had been on trial for nearly 6 years.
