Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu seeks forgiveness in ongoing corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog in the midst of his long-standing corruption trial, citing the request as being in the public interest.

In a letter submitted on Thursday and made public on Sunday, Netanyahu described his trial as a focal point of fierce controversy, acknowledging his broad public responsibility and the wider implications of the legal proceedings. He stated that while it is in his personal interest to prove his innocence, the public interest dictates otherwise.

President Herzog, who holds exclusive authority over pardons in Israel, confirmed receipt of the request, noting he would consider it with great care and responsibility. Netanyahus one-page letter did not admit guilt or provide details on his political future. He continues to deny charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

The pardon request marks a shift in strategy for Netanyahu, who had previously insisted the charges would be dismissed and that he would demonstrate his innocence in court. In the letter, he emphasized his commitment to national unity and rebuilding public trust in Israels institutions, highlighting the need for all government branches to work toward the same goals.

The request faced immediate criticism from opposition leaders, who have accused Netanyahu of fueling societal divisions and extending the conflict in Gaza for political advantage. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Herzog to reject the pardon unless Netanyahu admitted guilt, expressed remorse, and stepped back from political life. Left-wing Democrats party leader Yair Golan similarly remarked that only a guilty person requests a pardon after an extensive trial.

Netanyahus allies, however, defended the move. Far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir described it as essential for Israels security.

Earlier this month, former US President Donald Trump also urged Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, praising him as a decisive leader guiding Israel toward peace. A Channel 12 poll conducted in mid-November after Trumps letter indicated 48% of Israelis opposed an unconditional pardon, 44% supported it, and 8% were undecided.

According to the Israel Democracy Institute, presidential pardons are typically exercised after conviction, with discretion to act in cases of compassion. Dana Blander, a research fellow at the institute, warned that pardoning during an ongoing trial could undermine the judicial system.

Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal prosecution. His trial, which began in May 2020 across three separate cases, involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The most serious allegations involve regulatory favors worth over $250 million for Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of telecommunications company Bezeq, allegedly in exchange for favorable media coverage on Walla! News. Elovitch has denied the charges. Netanyahus testimony, which started in December 2024, has faced multiple delays largely at his request. The trial, including potential appeals, is expected to continue for several more years.

There is no set timeline for Herzog to decide on the pardon request.

Analysis: Netanyahu's Pardon Request and its Implications

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's formal request for a pardon amid his ongoing corruption trial marks a pivotal moment in both his political career and Israel's judicial system. This development shifts the narrative from a defense of innocence to a request for clemency, an unusual and controversial move for a sitting leader. Netanyahu has framed the request as being in the “public interest,” focusing on national unity and the need for stability in government institutions.

Despite Netanyahu's claims, the timing of the pardon request has raised questions. Critics argue that requesting a pardon before a verdict has been reached could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining public trust in the judicial system. In Israel, presidential pardons are typically reserved for post-conviction cases, often granted out of compassion or in extraordinary circumstances. Granting a pardon while the trial is ongoing could be perceived as an attempt to bypass the legal process.

The political fallout has been swift. Opposition figures, such as Yair Lapid, have condemned Netanyahu’s actions, demanding that any potential pardon be contingent on an admission of guilt and stepping back from politics. On the other hand, Netanyahu's supporters argue that the request is necessary for the country’s security and continuity, with far-right leaders emphasizing the importance of political stability over legal processes. These polarized responses highlight the deepening divisions within Israeli society, exacerbated by Netanyahu's prolonged legal battle.

The political context also matters. Netanyahu’s allies, including former US President Donald Trump, have voiced their support for the pardon, emphasizing Netanyahu's role in securing Israel's future. However, a significant portion of the Israeli public remains divided. A recent Channel 12 poll revealed that nearly half of Israelis oppose granting Netanyahu a pardon without conditions, reflecting widespread skepticism about the fairness of his trial and his future role in politics.

In conclusion, Netanyahu's request for a pardon is not merely a legal matter but a highly charged political issue that will have long-term consequences for both Israel's legal framework and its leadership. While President Herzog holds the ultimate power to grant or deny the pardon, the decision could shape the future of Israeli politics and influence how public trust in the political and judicial systems evolves in the years to come.

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• Israeli PM Netanyahu requests pardon in ongoing corruption trial