Lawyer criticizes Netanyahu's plea for pardon as 'questionable,' not for 'legal reasons'

Attorney Kobi Sudri appeared on 103FM alongside hosts Anat Davidov and Prof. Aryeh Eldad, expressing doubts about the legal basis and true purpose of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent request for a presidential pardon. The application, submitted to President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, has drawn sharp criticism from legal analysts and public commentators.

Speaking on Monday, Sudri stated, "The pardon request, while commonly referred to as such, fails to satisfy the formal criteria required for an official application. He added, "This raises questions about whether its intent is strictly legal. A person confident in their innocence does not need a pardon."

Sudri clarified the limits of his commentary, noting, "I am cautious when providing expert opinions on legal cases I am not directly involved in. Even as a participant in proceedings, predicting outcomes is difficult. There is no legitimate pardon request without the applicant acknowledging some responsibility."

In a related event, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the nation following Israels targeted killing of Hezbollahs deputy leader, Ali Tabatabai, in Beirut on November 23, 2025.

Regarding Netanyahus ongoing legal challenges, Sudri remarked on the broader political ramifications. "Many overlook the past five or six years of repeated elections and government instability. Even prior to October 7, issues like administrative neglect and an excessive focus on legal battles were already prominent."

Sudri also highlighted the absence of any mention of the October 7 Hamas attack in Netanyahus pardon request. "The document details numerous accomplishments, yet there is not a single reference to the October 7 incident. Nothing at all."

Author: Sophia Brooks