Netanyahu Asks for Presidential Pardon as Corruption Trial Continues

Israel’s longest-serving leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, has officially submitted a request for a presidential pardon while facing multiple charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In a statement from his Likud party, he expressed hope for public backing, presenting the request as beneficial for the nation.

In a brief video message, Netanyahu stated, “Today, my legal team sent a pardon request to the president. I believe this is essential for the country.” He pointed out the overwhelming responsibility of the ongoing legal battles, which demand his testimony multiple times weekly, describing this obligation as “an unbearable burden not faced by any other individual.”

His legal representatives have conveyed to President Isaac Herzog that the extended nature of the trials has exacerbated societal rifts and hindered his governance. They emphasized that a resolution of these legal issues would foster unity and stability for the nation.

The president's office has acknowledged the request, which will be sent to the pardons department for examination and a recommendation to Herzog. Traditionally, pardons in Israel follow convictions, yet Netanyahu's lawyers argue that the current situation warrants exception based on public interest and unity.

The request has sparked intense debate within the political arena. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has condemned the action, asserting that a pardon necessitates an admission of guilt, regret, and stepping away from politics. Former military deputy Yair Golan has called for Netanyahu’s resignation and urged Herzog to reject the request.

Conversely, coalition partners such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have come forward in support of the pardon, acknowledging the pressures the trials have exerted on governance.

Netanyahu, who first took office in 1996, remains a contentious figure in Israeli politics, having served several terms, including a return to leadership post-2022 elections. His administration has been characterized by a commitment to security and economic matters, yet corruption allegations from 2019 have overshadowed his leadership. These allegations involve claims that he provided favors to high-profile business figures in exchange for gifts and favorable media treatment, all of which he refutes.

Throughout his current term, Netanyahu has managed substantial military operations, including responses to the 2023 Hamas conflicts, ongoing tensions in Gaza, clashes with Hezbollah, and targeted actions against Iranian military sites. His strategies in these crises have garnered both national support and international condemnation.

With the next elections set for October 2026, surveys suggest that Netanyahu’s right-leaning coalition may struggle to maintain its majority. The decision regarding his pardon request could significantly influence the political landscape leading to the upcoming vote.