Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon to stop his years-long corruption trial. His request argues that ending the case would help reduce tension in the country and support national unity.
Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the detailed submission and described it as an extraordinary request with serious implications. Presidential pardons are rare in Israel, especially before someone is convicted, making this move by Benjamin Netanyahu highly controversial.
Netanyahu has been on trial for five years, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies all wrongdoing and says the case is a political attack carried out by the media, the police, and the judiciary.
In a video statement, Benjamin Netanyahu said that although he personally wants to continue the trial to prove his innocence, the ongoing legal battle is dividing the nation. He added that appearing in court three times a week makes it difficult for him to govern effectively.
The request comes shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, calling the corruption case unfair and politically motivated.
Opposition leaders quickly rejected the idea. Yair Lapid said no pardon should be granted without an admission of guilt, remorse, and Netanyahu’s resignation from political life. Protesters also gathered outside Herzog’s home, demanding that he deny the request.
Legal experts say a pardon before conviction is extremely rare and may not be possible without admitting guilt. The only similar case happened in 1986, but in that situation the officials involved confessed and stepped down, unlike Netanyahu.
As Israel waits for President Herzog’s decision, the pardon request has sparked intense debate over justice, leadership, and the future of Israeli democracy.
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