Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog as he continues to face trial on charges of corruption and fraud. This appeal comes weeks after former U.S. President Trump dispatched his own letter to Herzog, advocating for clemency.
Netanyahu emphasized concerns over public division within his pardon request. While explicitly denying guilt, he stated that a pardon would allow him to “reconcile the national rift” and “lower the flames” of the disagreements surrounding his legal proceedings.
Herzog’s office released a statement on Sunday confirming receipt of Netanyahu’s formal pardon request, describing it as “extraordinary” and acknowledging its “significant implications.”
The president’s office indicated that the request, in adherence to established guidelines and procedures, is being forwarded to the Pardons Department within the Ministry of Justice. This department will compile opinions from relevant authorities on the matter.
These collected opinions will then be submitted to the legal advisor in the Office of the President, who will formulate an additional opinion for Herzog.
“After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request,” Herzog’s office affirmed in its statement.
Netanyahu is currently on trial for charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. The trial, which began in 2020, marked the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister appeared as a criminal defendant.
Earlier this month, Trump sent a letter to Herzog, urging him to fully pardon Netanyahu. Trump wrote that Netanyahu had been a “formidable and decisive” leader during a period of war and had guided Israel “into a time of peace.”
Trump asserted that while he “absolutely” respects the independence of the Israeli judicial system, he believes the case against Netanyahu constitutes a “political, unjustified prosecution.”
Trump had previously appealed to Herzog on this matter during a speech delivered in the Israeli Knesset in October.
Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this report.