Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog for his ongoing corruption trial. Herzog's office acknowledged this as an «extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications,» stating Herzog will consider it after receiving all relevant opinions from justice officials.
The request marks a dramatic development in a legal saga that has gripped Israel for years. Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases dating back to his 2019 indictment. The trial began in 2020, making him the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial.
The allegations include accepting nearly 700,000 shekels in gifts from businessmen and exchanging regulatory favours with media owners for positive press coverage. Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to all charges, branding the trial a "witch-hunt" by political opponents.
Trump's Intervention
US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Herzog earlier this month urging him to "fully pardon" Netanyahu. Trump argued that Netanyahu has "stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries" and that his "attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted."
Netanyahu's Justification
In a video message Sunday, Netanyahu explained his decision to seek a pardon. He stated the trial "tears us apart from within" during a time of "enormous challenges, and alongside them great opportunities."
Netanyahu said he would have preferred to see the trial through but that national interest "demanded otherwise." He expressed certainty: «I am certain, as are many others in the nation, that an immediate end to the trial would greatly help lower the flames and promote broad reconciliation - something our country desperately needs.»
Political Divisions
The pardon request divides opinion sharply. Netanyahu's Likud party and supporters have consistently backed a pardon. Many on the left, however, view such a move as undermining Israel's identity as a robust democracy with a strong legal system.
Israel's Basic Law grants the president the power to pardon criminals or alter sentences. The High Court of Justice has previously ruled on pre-conviction pardons in specific circumstances.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
