Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog while he faces ongoing corruption charges in three separate cases. Herzog’s office confirmed the submission, stating, “The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications.” The president has committed to reviewing the request responsibly after gathering all relevant opinions.
In his ongoing trial, Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing. As outlined on Israel’s presidential pardon site, applicants must provide reasons for a pardon, including the circumstances of the offence, personal and familial factors, medical issues, social or economic status, the rehabilitation process, contributions to society, and any new developments since the verdict.
In a video statement released shortly after Herzog’s announcement, Netanyahu expressed his intention to seek full acquittal on all charges. “My personal interest has been, and remains, to continue the process until the end,” he stated, emphasizing the need for national unity in light of significant challenges facing the State of Israel.
Netanyahu stressed that the continuation of his trial has created divisions within the country, stating, “The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, fuels this division, and deepens the rifts.” He argued that ending the frequent court sessions would help to lower tensions and promote the reconciliation that Israel urgently needs.
In a notable twist, Herzog revealed that he had received a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month. In the letter, Trump expressed his belief that the prosecution against Netanyahu is politically motivated and called for a full pardon. He remarked that it was “time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending lawfare once and for all.”
In response to Trump’s request, Herzog reassured the former president that “anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.”
As Netanyahu navigates his legal battles, the implications of this request for a pardon remain significant for both his political future and the broader Israeli political landscape. The public and political responses to this request will likely unfold in the coming weeks as the president considers the matter.
The outcome could influence not only Netanyahu’s career but also the political dynamics within Israel, where the issues of corruption and governance continue to evoke strong opinions among the populace.
