Is Netanyahu seeking pardon and can it be granted?

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally requested President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon concerning allegations of bribery and fraud, aiming to bring an end to his five-year legal battles.

Netanyahu is currently facing three corruption investigations initiated in 2019, known as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000. These cases involve accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu denies all allegations, claiming the trials are a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by rivals and the media. He argues that a pardon would allow him to focus on strengthening Israel during a volatile period in the Middle East.

The pardon request, spanning 111 pages, references a previous appeal by former U.S. President Donald Trump urging Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.

Legal experts note that a formal admission of guilt is not required to receive a pardon. Dana Blander, a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, stated that there are no legal conditions for granting a pardon. The request will first be reviewed by the Ministry of Justices pardons department, which will provide its recommendation to the president, who is not obligated to follow it. Herzog has suggested that a negotiated settlement between Netanyahu and prosecutors might be the most effective resolution.

Public and Political Response

Protests erupted outside Herzogs residence in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening against the pardon request, with participation from opposition figures such as Naama Lazimi. Despite past political rivalry, Herzog and Netanyahu maintain a functional working relationship. Herzogs office stated: After receiving all relevant opinions, the president will consider the request responsibly and sincerely.

Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, remarked that Netanyahus request, which emphasizes his claimed innocence, sends a concerning message regarding accountability and public norms.

Details of the Corruption Charges

Netanyahu, while serving as Prime Minister, faces allegations stemming from his time as Minister of Communications between 2014 and 2017. Charges include receiving gifts worth nearly $200,000 from wealthy businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer in exchange for political favors. These allegedly included lobbying for visa renewals, supporting tax exemption laws, and facilitating investment benefits.

Case 2000 accuses Netanyahu of arranging favorable media coverage with businessman Aron Mozes, owner of Yedioth Ahronoth, in return for legislation limiting circulation of the rival Israel Hayom newspaper.

Case 4000 involves regulatory advantages granted to the Israeli telecommunications company Bezeq and its news platform Walla, owned by Shaul Elovitch. Netanyahu is alleged to have provided business benefits in exchange for favorable media coverage for himself and his wife, Sara.

Potential penalties include up to three years in prison for fraud and breach of trust, and up to 10 years for bribery. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit estimated the value of the gifts at approximately 700,000 shekels ($186,000).

Historical Context of Corruption Among Israeli Leaders

Since 1996, all Israeli prime ministers have faced some form of corruption investigation. Past leaders under scrutiny include:

• Benjamin Netanyahu previous investigations for kickbacks and influence peddling.
• Ehud Barak allegations of illegal campaign financing, bribery, and money laundering.
• Ariel Sharon accused of accepting bribes in the Greek Island affair.
• Ehud Olmert convicted for bribery and fraud while serving as mayor of Jerusalem, imprisoned in 2016.

After returning to office, Netanyahu faced the current cases, while two other investigations against him were dropped.

Author: Sophia Brooks