Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, aiming to halt his ongoing corruption trial. This unprecedented move comes as Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, which he claims are part of a politically motivated campaign against him. The trial has become a focal point of division within Israel, reflecting broader tensions in the country.
Netanyahu’s request was officially sent to the legal department of the Office of the President. In a statement, his office described the request as “extraordinary” and noted it carries significant implications for Israel’s legal landscape. He argued that a pardon would foster national unity during a time of considerable change in the region.
Opposition leaders swiftly condemned the request, asserting that it undermines the rule of law and jeopardizes Israel’s democratic institutions. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, stated, “You cannot grant him a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and an immediate retirement from political life.” Advocacy groups echoed this sentiment, warning that granting a pardon could suggest that some citizens are above the law.
Netanyahu, who has consistently denied the allegations, described the trial as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by the media and judiciary. He has not yet been convicted of any crimes. His request for a pardon follows a recent letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, who characterized the corruption case as a “political, unjustified prosecution.”
In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu expressed concern that the trial is damaging the nation’s cohesion. He emphasized the burden of appearing in court three times a week, stating that it distracts him from effectively leading the country. “The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within,” he remarked, advocating for an immediate conclusion to the proceedings to promote reconciliation.
Legal experts, however, have indicated that Netanyahu’s pardon request will not halt the trial. Emi Palmor, former director general of the Justice Ministry, explained, “You cannot claim that you’re innocent while the trial is going on and come to the president and ask him to intervene.” The only way to suspend the trial would be through a request to the attorney general.
This situation draws parallels to Netanyahu’s past actions as an opposition leader. In 2008, he urged then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to resign amid a corruption scandal. At that time, Netanyahu argued that a leader embroiled in scandal could not effectively serve the public. Olmert resigned before facing indictment and subsequently served 16 months in prison.
In contrast, Netanyahu has adopted a defiant stance throughout his legal challenges. He has framed himself as a target of a “deep state” conspiracy seeking to remove him from power. Following the formation of his current government in late 2022, he proposed an overhaul of the justice system, which critics assert aims to weaken judicial independence and conflict with his ongoing trial.
The backlash against Netanyahu’s pardon request highlights the contentious political atmosphere in Israel. The opposition and various advocacy groups have urged Herzog to reject the request, emphasizing the potential consequences of such a decision on public trust in government institutions.
As Netanyahu navigates these turbulent waters, the outcome of his legal battles and the implications for Israel’s political landscape remain uncertain. The ongoing trial, combined with the recent pardon request, is likely to keep the nation deeply divided as it grapples with both internal and external challenges.
