Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requests pardon from corruption trials, citing national unity concerns as the country faces security challenges.
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted a presidential pardon request while facing ongoing corruption trials, stating the lengthy legal proceedings are tearing the country apart.
In a video statement, Netanyahu acknowledged his preference to continue the trial until acquittal but cited national security concerns as overriding factors.
He described the security and political reality as dictating his extraordinary request.
“The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts,” Netanyahu stated.
He argued that ending the trial immediately would help lower political tensions and promote national reconciliation.
The prime minister specifically highlighted the demand for him to testify three times weekly as an “impossible requirement” that had “tipped the scales” in his decision.
His office confirmed the pardon request had been formally submitted to President Isaac Herzog.
President Herzog’s office acknowledged receiving the request, calling it “extraordinary” with “significant implications”.
They confirmed the president would responsibly consider the request after gathering all relevant opinions.
The corruption cases against Netanyahu include allegations he accepted over $260,000 worth of luxury goods from billionaires in exchange for political favors.
He also faces accusations of attempting to negotiate more favorable media coverage from two Israeli outlets.
Netanyahu’s supporters have consistently dismissed the trials as politically motivated. The cases have exposed deep divisions within Israeli society between his backers and opponents.
US President Donald Trump had previously written to President Herzog earlier this month, asking him to pardon Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing throughout the nearly six-year legal process.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister with over 18 years in office across three terms, said the trial is expected to continue for many more years without intervention.
He maintains his intention to stand in the next elections, due before the end of 2026.
