Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from Israel’s president to dismiss bribery and fraud charges and halt his five-year corruption trial, claiming it serves the “public interest.”
Isaac Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the 111-page submission from the prime minister’s lawyer and has forwarded it to the justice ministry’s pardons department. The president’s legal adviser will also provide an opinion before Herzog makes a decision.
“The president’s office recognizes this as an extraordinary request with significant implications,” a statement said. “After gathering all relevant opinions, the president will carefully and sincerely evaluate the request.”
In Israel, presidential pardons are rarely granted before conviction, with the notable exception of a 1986 case involving the Shin Bet security service. A preemptive pardon for a politician in a corruption case without an admission of guilt would set a precedent and be highly controversial.
This request follows a letter from Donald Trump weeks earlier, urging Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, who has been on trial since 2020 for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The charges allege he provided political favors to wealthy supporters in exchange for gifts or positive media coverage.
Netanyahu denies the accusations, calling the case a “witch-hunt” by the media, police, and judiciary. Critics accuse him of prolonging the Gaza war to maintain his coalition, stay in power, and avoid legal consequences, though elections are scheduled for next year.
In a legal filing and a televised statement, Netanyahu argued that while his personal interest is to prove his innocence in court, national unity requires ending the trial, which he claims is “tearing us apart.”
He stated, “As exonerating evidence disproving the false claims against me emerges and it becomes clear the case was built on serious violations, my personal interest is to continue until full acquittal. But the security and political reality, and the national interest, demand otherwise. The trial fuels fierce disagreements and deepens divisions. Ending it immediately would help lower tensions and promote the reconciliation our country needs.”
A pardon without a guilty plea or resignation could trigger a political and constitutional crisis, potentially requiring resolution by the Supreme Court.
The main precedent is from nearly 40 years ago, when senior Shin Bet officials were accused of covering up the execution of two Palestinian militants involved in a bus hijacking. The high court allowed then-President Chaim Herzog, the current president’s father, to issue pre-indictment pardons under those circumstances.
However, legal experts doubt the 1986 Barzilai v. Government of Israel case sets a precedent for Netanyahu’s trial, especially without an admission of guilt. In the Barzilai case, the officials admitted guilt and the Shin Bet head resigned. Constitutional law professor Suzie Navot argued that without admission or resignation from Netanyahu, it would be very difficult for Herzog to grant a pardon, as it would halt an ongoing criminal proceeding for bribery.”This has nothing to do with the 1986 Barzilai case,” Navot stated. “What Netanyahu is really aiming for is to place himself above the law.”
Civil society and opposition leaders emphasized their readiness to oppose any attempt to pardon Netanyahu.
Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, addressed Herzog on social media, asserting, “A pardon for Netanyahu cannot be granted unless he admits guilt, shows remorse, and steps away from politics immediately.”
In a similar online statement, Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, remarked, “Only those who are guilty ask for pardons. The only acceptable deal is for Netanyahu to take responsibility, confess, exit the political arena, and liberate the nation and the state—only then can true unity be restored among the people.”
Reporting for this article was contributed by Quique Kierszenbaum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Benjamin Netanyahus potential pardon request designed to be clear and accessible
Basic Definition Questions
1 Who is Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is a longserving and influential Israeli politician who has served multiple terms as the countrys Prime Minister
2 What is he being accused of
He was convicted in a corruption case specifically on charges of bribery fraud and breach of trust related to receiving expensive gifts and favorable media coverage in exchange for political favors
3 What does requesting a pardon mean
Requesting a pardon is asking the President of Israel to officially forgive his crimes which would wipe out the conviction and its associated penalties like a potential prison sentence
4 Who has the power to grant a pardon in Israel
The President of Israel holds the sole constitutional power to grant pardons
Process Implications Questions
5 Has Netanyahu officially requested a pardon
As of the latest information he has not submitted a formal official request but his lawyers have indicated he is considering it or preparing to do so
6 What happens after a pardon request is submitted
The President would review the request typically with a recommendation from the Ministry of Justice The President can then decide to grant the pardon deny it or grant a partial pardon
7 If pardoned could Netanyahu return to politics
Yes A full pardon would legally clear his record removing any legal barrier that would prevent him from running for office or serving as Prime Minister again
8 Whats the difference between a pardon and an appeal
An appeal is a legal process where a higher court reviews the trial and verdict for errors A pardon is a political act of clemency from the President that forgives the crime regardless of the courts finding of guilt
Advanced Contextual Questions
9 Why would a president grant a pardon in a highprofile case like this
A president might grant a pardon for reasons of national unity to heal political divisions due to the individuals long public service or if there are perceived flaws in the judicial process though this is highly controversial
10 What are the main arguments against granting him a pardon
Critics argue it would undermine the rule of law suggest that powerful politicians are above
