Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked the president of Israel for a pardon in his long running corruption case, saying that the ongoing criminal proceedings are limiting his ability to govern and weakening the stability of the country. The request was delivered on Sunday in a detailed letter from Netanyahu’s legal team, which argued that a pardon would serve the national interest. Netanyahu, the longest serving leader in Israel, continues to deny all accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. His lawyers stated that he still believes he will eventually receive a full acquittal once the legal process ends. In a short video message released by the Likud party, Netanyahu confirmed the request, saying that anyone who wishes to see Israel prosper should support this step. He did not admit any wrongdoing, and his lawyers made clear that the pardon request does not imply guilt. Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply rejected the idea of a pardon at this stage. He insisted that Netanyahu should admit guilt, express remorse and immediately leave political life before any such request could be considered. Historically, pardons in Israel are granted only after a conviction has been reached and the legal process is fully completed.
Israel PM Netanyahu requests pardon as years long corruption trial intensifies
Netanyahu’s lawyers countered that the president has the authority to act earlier when the public interest is involved and when national unity is at stake. The office of President Isaac Herzog described the request as unusual and noted that it carries serious consequences. The president will evaluate the matter carefully after receiving professional recommendations from the justice ministry. In accordance with procedure, the request has been sent to the pardons department, which will gather assessments before preparing a formal opinion for the president’s legal adviser. The appeal to the president comes after support from former United States President Donald Trump, who sent a letter urging Herzog to issue the pardon. Trump repeated his claim that the charges against Netanyahu are politically motivated and unjust. Netanyahu’s lawyers argued that the trial has widened political and social divisions across the country. They also stated that the frequency of court appearances makes it difficult for the prime minister to carry out his duties. Netanyahu said in his video statement that he is expected to testify three times a week, something he calls an impossible burden for a sitting national leader.
Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 in three different corruption related cases involving gifts from wealthy business figures and alleged attempts to secure favourable media coverage. He has always rejected the accusations and says they are part of a long campaign to remove him from power. Several members of Netanyahu’s coalition rushed to support the request, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Critics responded with equal force. Opposition figure Yair Golan urged the president to reject the request entirely and insisted that Netanyahu should resign. Netanyahu has remained one of Israel’s most influential yet divisive political figures since first taking office in the nineteen nineties. Although he has built a reputation based on national security and economic strength, the corruption charges have followed him for years. His leadership during the October attack by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza has generated widespread international scrutiny. With a national election expected in late 2026, polls suggest that his coalition, considered the most right wing in the country’s history, may struggle to secure a parliamentary majority.
source:Reuters
