Netanyahu Formally Requests Pardon from Israeli President Herzog
Jerusalem – Benjamin Netanyahu, the current Prime Minister of Israel, has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, his office announced sunday. The move comes as Netanyahu faces ongoing trial proceedings on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing.
Netanyahu, in a video message released alongside the pardon request, stated he would have preferred the legal process but “national interest demanded or else.” He argued that continuing the trial “tears us apart from within” at a time of “enormous challenges, and alongside them great opportunities” for Israel, emphasizing the need for unity. He expressed certainty that ending the trial would “greatly help lower the flames and promote broad reconciliation.”
President Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the request and Netanyahu’s accompanying letter, citing “the importance of this extraordinary request and its implications.” No timeline for a decision was provided.
The request follows urging from former US President Donald trump earlier this month, who called on Herzog to “fully pardon” Netanyahu. Herzog previously indicated that any individual seeking a pardon must submit a formal request.
Netanyahu became the frist serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial in 2020. The charges center around allegations of receiving gifts – including cigars and champagne – from businessmen in exchange for favors, offering to influence media coverage in return for positive reporting, and promoting regulatory decisions benefiting a telecoms company shareholder for favorable news coverage.
Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to all charges, dismissing the trial as a “witch-hunt” orchestrated by political opponents.
Under Israel’s Basic Law, the president possesses the authority to pardon criminals and modify sentences. The High Court of Justice has previously ruled that a pardon can be granted even before conviction, should it serve the public interest or address extreme personal circumstances.
Netanyahu’s Likud party and supporters have consistently advocated for a pardon. However, the move is expected to face opposition from many Israelis, notably those on the left, who view it as a potential erosion of the country’s democratic principles and legal system. Concerns over governmental plans for judicial reform, which sparked widespread protests prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks and the ensuing Gaza war, underscored these fears.
