Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally submitted a request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog.
The president's office confirmed receipt of the "extraordinary request" and stated that opinions from justice officials would be obtained before consideration. The request, along with a letter from the Prime Minister, was released publicly due to its significant implications. No timeline for a decision has been provided.
Netanyahu has been on trial for the past five years, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three distinct cases. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Prime Minister's Stated Rationale
In a video message, Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that while he would have preferred to complete the trial, he believes national interest "demanded otherwise." He asserted that an immediate end to the trial would contribute to lowering internal tensions and fostering broad reconciliation, which he stated Israel urgently needs amidst current national challenges and opportunities.
Overview of Allegations
- Case 1: Prosecutors allege Netanyahu received gifts, including cigars and champagne, from influential businessmen in exchange for favors.
- Case 2: Accusations include offering to improve the circulation of an Israeli newspaper in exchange for favorable media coverage.
- Case 3: Prosecutors claim Netanyahu promoted regulatory decisions beneficial to the controlling shareholder of an Israeli telecommunications company in return for positive coverage from a news website.
Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has characterized the legal proceedings as a "witch-hunt." He became the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial in 2020. Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump had called for Netanyahu's pardon, with President Herzog's office clarifying that any such request required a formal submission.