Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon to end his long-running corruption trial, which has lasted six years. Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, stemming from accusations of manipulating the media and receiving illicit gifts in exchange for political favors. However, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the trial politically motivated.
In a video statement, Netanyahu argued that ending the trial would allow him to focus more effectively on Israel’s national security and diplomatic goals. He also suggested that the trial was causing deep divisions within Israeli society, making it harder to address urgent challenges. “The trial is tearing us apart from within. An immediate end to it would help lower tensions and promote reconciliation,” Netanyahu said.
His legal team, led by attorney Amit Hadad, submitted a formal 111-page request to President Isaac Herzog. In the document, Netanyahu’s lawyers emphasized that a pardon would help heal societal rifts and allow Netanyahu to dedicate himself fully to Israel’s pressing issues, including security concerns and international relations.
Despite Netanyahu’s argument, the move has ignited fierce debate in Israeli politics. Supporters, including several government ministers, view the charges as politically motivated and argue that the trial is a distraction from more important national matters. However, his political opponents have condemned the request. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for Netanyahu to step down and express remorse, stating that a pardon without an admission of guilt would undermine the rule of law.
Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, has been a flashpoint in Israeli politics. Critics argue that granting a pardon before a conviction would set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in the judicial system. Legal experts note that while the president can theoretically grant a pardon before a trial ends, it is highly unusual and typically reserved for exceptional circumstances.
Adding further complexity to the situation, US President Donald Trump recently urged President Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, emphasizing the potential for stronger Israeli-U.S. relations if the trial were concluded. Netanyahu has cited this as part of his rationale for seeking the pardon.
President Herzog’s office has confirmed that the request is under review and that legal experts will weigh in before a final decision is made. It remains to be seen whether Netanyahu’s unprecedented request will be granted, but it has already sparked significant debate over the balance between justice and political power in Israel.