Netanyahu Requests Presidential Pardon Amid Ongoing Corruption Trial

Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has formally requested a presidential pardon as he continues to face bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges. In a statement released by his Likud party, Netanyahu emphasized that he expects public support for the move, framing it as a step in the national interest.

“My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president today. I believe this is necessary for the good of the country,” Netanyahu said in a brief video. He highlighted the demands of the ongoing legal proceedings, which require him to testify multiple times a week, calling them “an impossible burden not imposed on any other citizen.”

Netanyahu’s lawyers, in a letter to President Isaac Herzog’s office, argued that the prolonged trials have deepened societal divisions and hindered his ability to govern. They stressed that ending the legal proceedings would promote national reconciliation and stability.

The request has been officially received by the president’s office and will be forwarded to the pardons department in the justice ministry for review, before a recommendation is prepared for Herzog’s consideration. Traditionally, pardons in Israel have been granted only after a conviction, but Netanyahu’s legal team contends that public interest and national unity justify intervention at this stage.

The prime minister’s request has drawn sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the move, insisting that a pardon should require an admission of guilt, public remorse, and immediate retirement from politics. Former military deputy Yair Golan called for Netanyahu to resign and urged the president to deny the request.

Coalition allies, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, voiced support for the pardon, highlighting the strain the trials have placed on governance.

Netanyahu was first elected prime minister in 1996 and has remained a polarizing figure throughout his political career, serving multiple terms in office and returning to lead after the 2022 elections. His leadership has been marked by a focus on security and economic issues, but corruption allegations dating back to 2019 have shadowed his tenure. These charges involve accusations that Netanyahu granted favors to prominent business figures in exchange for gifts and favorable media coverage, all of which he denies.

During his current term, Netanyahu has overseen significant military operations, including responses to the 2023 Hamas attacks, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, confrontations with Hezbollah, and targeted operations against Iranian military infrastructure. His actions in these conflicts have drawn both national support and international criticism.

With the next elections scheduled by October 2026, polls indicate that Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition could face difficulties maintaining its majority. The outcome of the pardon request may also shape the political landscape in the lead-up to the vote.