Israeli President to Weigh Netanyahu’s Pardon Request in High-Profile Corruption Cases
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he will consider Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon “solely” on the basis of Israel’s national interest, as the embattled premier seeks to halt corruption proceedings that have polarised the country.
“It will be handled in the most correct and precise manner. I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society,” Herzog said in a statement on Monday.
Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he had formally submitted a pardon request, arguing that the years-long legal battle has deepened social divisions.
His appeal comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Herzog in writing to grant the prime minister clemency. Netanyahu maintains he has done nothing wrong.
The charges against Netanyahu and his wife Sara include allegations that they accepted more than $260,000 in luxury gifts—cigars, champagne, jewellery—from wealthy benefactors in exchange for political favours. He is also accused in two additional cases of seeking to secure favourable media coverage through behind-the-scenes deals with major Israeli outlets.
Netanyahu said he hopes a pardon would help “lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so desperately needs,” stressing that he has made no admission of guilt.
Outside a Tel Aviv courthouse on Monday, protesters from both sides gathered as Netanyahu attended a scheduled hearing. Demonstrators in bright orange prisoner-style jumpsuits chanted for the trial to proceed.
“He should be standing on trial just like every other citizen in Israel,” said protester Paula Keusch.
But supporters voiced a different view. “If the good of the country leads Netanyahu to request a stay of the trial, then I support him,” said pro-Netanyahu demonstrator Rafael Shamir.
The president has not indicated when he will decide on the request, but the outcome is expected to have significant political and social repercussions.
