Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon regarding the corruption cases he has been fighting.
The Prime Minister has been standing trial for the past five years on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases. Netanyahu, who denies any wrongdoing, stated in a video message that while he would have preferred to see the legal process through to its conclusion, national interest “demanded otherwise.”
He argued that a pardon would foster national reconciliation within Israel.
President Herzog’s office stated that he would review opinions from justice officials before considering the request, noting that the decision carries “significant implications.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli opposition maintains that the Prime Minister must admit guilt before seeking a pardon.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump urged Herzog to “fully pardon” Netanyahu.
At the time, Herzog clarified that anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request.
On Sunday, the President’s office released both the request and a letter from Netanyahu, citing “the importance of this extraordinary request and its implications.”
