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.

Author: Sophia Brooks