Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing an ongoing corruption trial, has formally requested a presidential pardon from Israel’s head of state, Isaac Herzog. The president’s office confirmed that it received two letters—one from Netanyahu and another from his attorney—seeking clemency. The request will now be forwarded to the relevant department within the Ministry of Justice, which will gather assessments from all appropriate authorities before issuing recommendations to the presidential legal team.
Based on these findings, the president will later consider the matter. In its statement, the president’s office described the request as “extraordinary,” noting that it carries significant implications and will be reviewed carefully and responsibly. Netanyahu stated in a video message that an immediate conclusion to his trial would help promote national reconciliation at a time of considerable political tension. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently urged Herzog to grant the pardon, saying he respects the independence of Israel’s judiciary but views the charges as politically motivated, according to a letter released by Herzog’s office.
Netanyahu has been on trial for five years on allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, including claims that he received luxury gifts from wealthy benefactors and sought to influence media coverage.
The prime minister has consistently denied all accusations, calling them politically driven. The possibility of a pardon has fueled debate within Israel, with opposition figures criticizing the move, while Herzog has emphasized that although no one is above the law, the president retains the constitutional authority to decide such matters according to his judgment and conscience.
By:
“NewsXX1 Editorial Team”
