Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested President Isaac Herzog to pardon him in all three corruption cases pending against him. In a public video appeal, he said that continuing the corruption trial against him would deepen internal divisions and discord within the country, which the nation cannot afford. He added that if the cases are settled through a pardon, it would help extinguish the flames of mutual hostility. Netanyahu also expressed concern that having to appear in court repeatedly while running the government is causing difficulties. After denying the corruption allegations for so long, Netanyahu’s sudden move to seek a pardon has triggered heated political debate and widespread protests across Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu faces three corruption charges. The first involves providing favourable assistance to the telecom company Bezeq, ensuring substantial coverage for Netanyahu on their news website. The second case concerns receiving illicit gifts worth over $200,000, including premium cigarettes, champagne, and jewellery. The third case involves a prominent newspaper, which allegedly promised legislation to weaken a rival publication in exchange for guaranteeing significant promotion for Netanyahu. These corruption allegations were brought to court in 2020. And it was when widespread public protests against Netanyahu and his government persisted across Israel that on 7 October 2023, Hamas carried out an attack. Following this, Netanyahu started settling scores not only against Palestinians in Gaza but also against his political opponents within Israel. Observers noted that the two-year turmoil in Gaza, under a Zionist administration, highlighted the deepening political crisis Netanyahu was confronting. This domestic unrest resurfaced in Israel as the situation in Gaza showed feeble signs of abatement.
The United States is also behind Netanyahu’s request for pardon. President Donald Trump has actively intervened to protect Netanyahu, urging that he be granted a pardon. In November, Trump wrote to the Israeli President, asking for clemency for Netanyahu, arguing that he should be spared from what he described as “political, unjustified prosecution.” Trump’s letter emphasised that 'Netanyahu, who has been "a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace" deserves full pardon. Notably, Trump had already raised this request when he met the Israeli Parliament last October.
However, protests against Netanyahu in Israel remain intense. Protesters allege that the Prime Minister and his wife, Sara, have misused public funds. They claim that Netanyahu’s pardon request confirms that he admits to this misconduct. Moreover, they are angry and concerned about America’s attempts to intervene in Israel’s domestic affairs. A massive rally was held in front of the official residence of the President, demanding that the pardon plea be rejected. President Isaac Herzog, who stated that he is seeking legal advice on the matter, has not clarified his intentions. At the same time, the clemency request could backfire on Netanyahu. Former defence attorney Micah Fetman, who once represented Netanyahu, argued that an innocent person has no reason to seek a pardon, and if the pardon is to be considered, Netanyahu must first appear in court and admit guilt. The public outrage of the opposition is reflected in the former attorney’s opinion.
If Netanyahu admits guilt, the only remaining option for him is to resign. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has stated that he would agree with granting a pardon on the assurance that Netanyahu is willing to step down. If Netanyahu steps down, Bennett would be the likely successor. Ever since the trial began in May 2020, Netanyahu has insisted that he is not guilty and that the case was a politically motivated attack orchestrated by the police and prosecution. As recently as early last month, he had maintained that he would not apologise. However, he reversed this stance on Sunday, submitting a 111-page pardon request. Consequently, Netanyahu now faces only two options: either admit guilt and leave, or, if the pardon is rejected, face trial and potential punishment.