The cost of pardoning Netanyahu

Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, known for his composed and non-confrontational style, is now holding the fate of veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his hands. On Sunday, a formal letter from Netanyahu arrived on Herzogs desk, requesting the president to use his constitutional authority to halt the prime ministers corruption trial.

Netanyahu, facing accusations of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud across three separate cases, has been involved in legal proceedings since 2020. The prime minister denies receiving expensive gifts, offering favors to media owners, and manipulating influence for personal gain.

Herzog has indicated that he will evaluate the pardon request carefully, emphasizing that any decision will prioritize the good of the country and Israeli society. Speculation is growing about what conditions the president might attach to such a pardon, with the stakes for Israels political landscape extremely high. The nation remains deeply divided, with both liberal and right-wing factions expressing concern over the state of its democratic institutions.

For opposition leaders, the expectation is that Netanyahu should leave public office in exchange for a dismissal of charges. His departure could reshape Israeli politics, creating opportunities for rival politicians from both the right and the center. However, discussions have also suggested scenarios where Netanyahu could remain politically active or even continue in office after receiving a pardon, potentially extending his tenure.

Netanyahu has presented his request as a personal sacrifice, framing the end of his legal proceedings as a step toward national unity rather than explicitly seeking a pardon. The conditions Herzog might impose could influence critical national issues, including accountability for the October 2023 security failures, judicial independence, and mandatory military service for all citizens.

The debate touches the core values of Israeli society: the balance between democracy and autocracy, military obligations, and government accountability. Some hope that Herzog, a member of the Labor Party, might leverage the situation to promote reforms and curb extreme political influences within Netanyahus coalition.

For Netanyahu, the request is strategically beneficial. Approval would end his legal troubles and allow him to campaign in future elections portraying the charges as politically motivated. Rejection, meanwhile, could reinforce his narrative of persecution by the judicial system.

Opposition figures argue that a pardon without admission of guilt and without leaving public office would constitute a severe breach of the rule of law. Yet, Israels political system, with its proportional representation and culture of dealmaking, may favor negotiation. The long-running court case, which began in 2020, has also contributed to public fatigue and perceptions of political theater.

While Herzog holds the authority to pardon, significant questions remain about the extent of his power to intervene without Netanyahu admitting guilt. Nevertheless, for the prime minister, this represents the start of a delicate process, likely involving extended negotiations to minimize political costs and avoid any formal expression of wrongdoing.

Israeli media commentators have advised the president to handle the situation cautiously, warning against becoming entangled with a politically shrewd opponent. The recommendation is to offer Netanyahu a clear, single opportunity, leaving little room for protracted negotiation.

Author: Sophia Brooks