Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made an extraordinary appeal to the nation's president, formally requesting a full pardon in his ongoing corruption case and seeking an immediate end to his five-year trial.
The Pardon Request Details
In a substantial 111-page legal submission, Netanyahu's legal representatives argued that granting a pardon would serve the public interest of Israel. The document was received by President Isaac Herzog's office, which confirmed it had been forwarded to the justice ministry's pardons department for review.
The president's office acknowledged the unusual nature of the request, stating: "The office of the president is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications." They added that Herzog's legal adviser would prepare an opinion before any decision is made.
Political Context and Trump's Involvement
This legal manoeuvre comes just weeks after former US President Donald Trump publicly called on President Herzog to pardon Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has been facing trial since 2020 on serious charges including bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
The allegations centre on claims that Netanyahu provided political favours to wealthy associates in exchange for valuable gifts and positive media coverage. Throughout the proceedings, Netanyahu has maintained his innocence, repeatedly characterising the case as a politically motivated "witch-hunt" orchestrated by media, police and judicial opponents.
Netanyahu's National Unity Argument
In a televised statement accompanying his legal filing, Netanyahu presented a dual argument. While insisting he wants to prove his innocence in court, he claimed the continuing trial is damaging national cohesion.
"As exonerating evidence that completely disproves the false claims against me is revealed in court, and as it becomes clear that the case against me was built through serious violations, my personal interest was and remains to continue this process to its end, until full acquittal on all counts," Netanyahu stated.
However, he continued: "But the security and political reality, the national interest, demands otherwise. The ongoing trial is tearing us apart from within, fuelling fierce disagreements, and deepening divisions."
The Prime Minister asserted that immediately terminating the trial would help reduce social tensions and promote reconciliation across Israeli society.
Potential Constitutional Crisis
The unprecedented request for a pardon without any admission of guilt or resignation from office could trigger a significant political and constitutional confrontation. Legal experts suggest the matter might ultimately require resolution by Israel's supreme court.
Opposition figures have reacted strongly to the pardon bid. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, declared on social media: "Only the guilty seek pardon. The only exchange deal on the table is that Netanyahu will take responsibility, admit guilt, leave politics, and free the people and the state."
Critics have previously accused Netanyahu of using the ongoing conflict in Gaza to maintain his coalition government and thereby remain in office, which would help him manage his legal challenges. The country is scheduled to hold elections next year.
