Netanyahu requests pardon for corruption charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked the nation's president for a pardon concerning ongoing corruption cases. Netanyahu maintains his innocence, yet claims that the three long-running legal proceedings, spanning five years, hinder his capacity to lead effectively.

Opponents warn that granting such a pardon could undermine democratic norms in Israel, especially following controversial government moves in 2023 to expand influence over the judiciary, which sparked mass protests across the country.

In a separate matter, Netanyahu is also subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over suspected war crimes in Gaza. According to the Hamas-administered health ministry, the death toll in the region has reached 70,100, as officials were able to access casualties during a brief lull in hostilities.

A chart illustrates the corruption perception scores of selected developed countries.

Author: Sophia Brooks