Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday formally requested a presidential pardon from corruption charges, in a move aimed at ending a years-long trial that has deeply polarised the country.
Netanyahu, who has long been at odds with Israel’s legal authorities over the allegations, said the request was intended to promote national unity at a moment of major regional shifts. However, the move immediately drew sharp criticism from his opponents, who warned that granting a pardon would undermine democratic institutions and imply that the prime minister is above the rule of law.
According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, Netanyahu submitted his pardon request to the legal department of the Office of the President. The president’s office described the move as an “extraordinary request” with “significant implications.” Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial, facing charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases involving alleged favours to wealthy political associates. He has not been convicted.
Netanyahu denies all allegations, calling the case a politically motivated “witch hunt” driven by the media, police and judiciary.
The request follows recent intervention from US President Donald Trump, who urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu and earlier this month sent a letter to President Isaac Herzog describing the prosecution as “political” and “unjustified.” In a recorded statement, Netanyahu said the trial has fuelled divisions within Israel and argued that a pardon would help “restore national unity.” He added that mandatory court appearances three times a week distract from his ability to govern effectively.
“The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, stirs up this division, and deepens rifts. I am sure, like many others in the nation, that an immediate conclusion of the trial would greatly help to lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so desperately needs,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu has taken the witness stand multiple times over the past year. However, proceedings have been frequently delayed due to ongoing conflicts and unrest following the Hamas-led attacks of October 2023.
His pardon submission includes two documents: a detailed letter from his lawyer and a signed letter from Netanyahu. The Justice Ministry will review these before being transferred to the Legal Advisor in the President’s Office, which will prepare further recommendations for the president.
Legal experts say the request cannot halt the ongoing trial. Emi Palmor, former director general of the Justice Ministry, said, “It’s impossible. You cannot claim that you're innocent while the trial is going on and come to the president and ask him to intervene.” She noted that the only way to stop the proceedings would be to ask the attorney general to suspend the case.
The opposition reacted swiftly, urging President Herzog to reject the request. Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated, “You cannot grant him a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse and an immediate retirement from political life.”
With PTI inputs