Netanyahu Urges Presidential Pardon as Corruption Trial Continues:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in the long-running corruption cases against him. The request marks a rare and highly sensitive moment in Israeli politics, as Netanyahu is still on trial and has repeatedly stated that he is innocent. President Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the request on Sunday, saying it understands the seriousness of the matter. “The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries significant implications,” the statement said. “After receiving all the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.” Three Corruption Cases Still Unresolved Netanyahu has been facing three separate corruption cases, filed in 2019, involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. The accusations include claims that he received expensive gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (about $212,000) from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors. He is the first sitting Israeli prime minister in the country’s history to stand trial. Although the Israeli presidency is usually a symbolic role, the president does have the legal power to issue pardons in special circumstances. However, Netanyahu’s trial — which began in 2020 — is still ongoing and has not reached any conclusion. Pressure From Former U.S. President Donald Trump Netanyahu’s pardon request came shortly after former United States President Donald Trump urged Herzog to grant him a pardon. Trump reportedly sent Herzog a letter in November encouraging him to consider the request. Trump has also spoken publicly about the issue, calling on the Israeli parliament in October to push for a pardon for Netanyahu. ICC Arrest Warrant Adds to Pressure The political situation around Netanyahu has become even more tense since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC accuses them of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and says the accusations are politically motivated. Netanyahu Says Trial Is Dividing the Nation In a video statement, Netanyahu argued that ending the trial is necessary for Israel’s stability. He said appearing in court three times a week has made it harder for him to govern effectively. “The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within,” he said. “An immediate conclusion of the trial would help lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country needs.” His request to the president included two documents: a detailed letter from his lawyer and another letter signed by Netanyahu himself. These documents will be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice and advisers in the president’s office before Herzog makes a decision. Legal Experts: Pardon Won’t Stop the Trial Legal specialists say a presidential pardon cannot stop the trial at this stage. “You cannot claim that you’re innocent while the trial is going on and ask the president to intervene,” said Emi Palmor, former director general of the Justice Ministry. She added that the only way to halt proceedings is for the attorney general to withdraw the charges — something that has not happened. Opposition Strongly Opposes Pardon Opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately criticized the request. “You cannot grant him a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and an immediate retirement from political life,” Lapid said. The debate over Netanyahu’s pardon is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the president reviews the request.

NEWS