Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country's President, Isaac Herzog, for a pardon over corruption cases he has been battling. The president's office stated that Herzog would obtain opinions from justice officials before considering the request, which they noted carries significant implications. Netanyahu has stood trial for five years on charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in relation to three separate cases and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
In a recent video message, he expressed a preference to see the trial conclude but suggested that the national interest necessitated a different approach. The Israeli opposition insists that Netanyahu should admit guilt prior to seeking a pardon. Earlier this month, former US President Donald Trump urged Herzog to fully pardon Netanyahu, prompting Herzog to clarify that a formal request had to be made to initiate proceedings.
The request is seen as an extraordinary measure, with Netanyahu's office emphasizing its importance and implications. Yet, no timeline for a presidential decision has been indicated.
Netanyahu's legal troubles began in 2020, making him the first serving Israeli prime minister to face trial. He faces allegations of receiving gifts from businessmen in exchange for favours, offering regulatory assistance to improve the circulation of a newspaper for favourable coverage, and advancing regulatory decisions for a telecom company in exchange for positive media treatment.
While Netanyahu claims the accusations are weakening, he asserts that the ongoing legal process is inflaming divisions within the country. His opponents argue that a pardon could undermine the legal integrity of Israel's democracy and reinforce public discontent regarding the government's judicial reform plans. Concerns have escalated following widespread protests before the recent conflict in Gaza, further complicating the political landscape as public sentiment remains polarized.
In a recent video message, he expressed a preference to see the trial conclude but suggested that the national interest necessitated a different approach. The Israeli opposition insists that Netanyahu should admit guilt prior to seeking a pardon. Earlier this month, former US President Donald Trump urged Herzog to fully pardon Netanyahu, prompting Herzog to clarify that a formal request had to be made to initiate proceedings.
The request is seen as an extraordinary measure, with Netanyahu's office emphasizing its importance and implications. Yet, no timeline for a presidential decision has been indicated.
Netanyahu's legal troubles began in 2020, making him the first serving Israeli prime minister to face trial. He faces allegations of receiving gifts from businessmen in exchange for favours, offering regulatory assistance to improve the circulation of a newspaper for favourable coverage, and advancing regulatory decisions for a telecom company in exchange for positive media treatment.
While Netanyahu claims the accusations are weakening, he asserts that the ongoing legal process is inflaming divisions within the country. His opponents argue that a pardon could undermine the legal integrity of Israel's democracy and reinforce public discontent regarding the government's judicial reform plans. Concerns have escalated following widespread protests before the recent conflict in Gaza, further complicating the political landscape as public sentiment remains polarized.
