Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the significant step of formally requesting a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog, a move that comes as he faces an ongoing corruption trial.
The Official Pardon Request
President Herzog's office confirmed receiving what they described as an 'extraordinary request' from the Prime Minister. In their statement, they emphasised that the appeal would be 'considered responsibly and sincerely'.
The development follows a letter from former US President Donald Trump to President Herzog, urging him to consider clemency for Netanyahu. Trump characterised the long-running legal case against the Israeli leader as a 'political, unjustified prosecution'.
Background of the Corruption Case
Netanyahu was originally indicted in 2019 on serious charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The Prime Minister has consistently denied all allegations.
The specific accusations involve claims that he accepted valuable gifts from wealthy associates and engaged in a quid-pro-quo arrangement with media owners, allegedly offering regulatory favours in exchange for positive news coverage.
The trial has been a dominant feature of Israeli politics for years, and this official pardon request marks a pivotal moment in the protracted legal and political saga.
