Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Ministerโ Benjaminโค Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial,arguing the prolonged โlegal proceedings are exacerbating societal divisions within the country. The request, made Monday, comes asโ the trial nears its sixth year with no immediate end in sight.
Netanyahu stated he desires a full acquittal but believes the continuation of the trial is “tearing us apart from within,giving rise โto bitter divisions,intensifying divisions,” according to the โAFP news agency.He framed the โขcase as a source of national fracture, rather than a personal legal battle.
The prime minister and his wife, Sara, face charges related to accepting โoverโ $260,000 worth of luxuryโข gifts – โคincluding cigars, jewelry,โ and champagne – from wealthy benefactors โin exchange for alleged political favors. Separate accusations involve attempts to secure more favorable media coverage through negotiations with โtwo Israeli news outlets.
The cases have already revealed deepโ rifts within Israeli society, with netanyahu’sโ supporters contending the trial is politically motivated.โฃ The pardon request โขunderscores the highโ stakes and โฃpotential forโฃ furtherโค polarization as the legal โฃprocess unfolds.