NEW YORK (Web Desk) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon in his long-running corruption trial, arguing that the ongoing legal proceedings are hampering his ability to govern and that a pardon would serve the national interest.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has been indicted since 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, all of which he denies. In a letter to the president’s office, his lawyers emphasized that the prime minister expects full acquittal and made no admission of guilt.
In a brief video released by his Likud party, Netanyahu urged support for the pardon, stating that frequent court appearances—three times a week in his case—make governance difficult. His legal team argued that ending the trial would help heal societal divisions and strengthen national unity.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid countered that Netanyahu should not receive a pardon without admitting guilt, expressing remorse, and stepping down from politics. Pardons in Israel are traditionally granted only after conviction, but Netanyahu’s team claims the president can intervene in cases serving public interest.
President Isaac Herzog’s office described the request as “extraordinary” and said it would be reviewed thoroughly, including by the pardons department in the justice ministry. U.S. President Donald Trump recently wrote to Herzog, urging the pardon and calling the case politically motivated.
Netanyahu has faced three separate but related cases since 2019, linked to alleged favours to business figures in exchange for gifts and positive media coverage. Coalition allies, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, support the pardon. Opposition voices, such as Yair Golan, urge resignation.
Netanyahu, a highly polarizing figure first elected in 1996, has returned to power multiple times, most recently after the 2022 elections.
His right-wing coalition is currently viewed as vulnerable ahead of the next general elections scheduled by October 2026.
He also faced intense scrutiny as prime minister during the October 2023 Gaza war, which drew widespread international criticism over the humanitarian impact on Palestinians.
