Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a presidential pardon, hoping to bring an end to the corruption trial that has followed him for five years. His lawyers submitted the request on Sunday, Reuters reported.
Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and corruption since 2019. He insists the accusations are politically motivated and says he expects to be cleared in court. But he argues that the lengthy legal battle has begun to affect his ability to run the government effectively.
In a video message, Netanyahu said the clemency request was filed “for the good of the country,” expressing hope that those who want stability will support the decision. He said the trial has become an obstacle to government functioning during a crucial time for Israel.
Opposition Pushback and Legal Concerns
Opposition leader Yair Lapid immediately criticized the move, saying pardons in Israel are considered only after conviction or sentencing. Granting one before the legal process ends, he argued, would break long-standing norms.
“Without admitting wrongdoing, without expressing remorse, and without stepping away from politics, Netanyahu cannot be granted a pardon,” Lapid said.
Netanyahu’s lawyers argue that the case is exceptional and tied to national interest, giving the president room to intervene. President Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the request and said the issue will be reviewed carefully, calling it sensitive and significant.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, describing the charges as politically driven.
Details of the Cases and Coalition Support
Netanyahu faces three cases filed in 2019 that accuse him of receiving expensive gifts, seeking favorable media coverage and using his influence to benefit wealthy businessmen. He denies all allegations, saying they are part of a long-running political effort to remove him from power.
Members of his governing coalition, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, continue to back him.
Critics such as opposition lawmaker Yair Golan say Netanyahu should resign, arguing that a leader facing such serious charges should not be guiding the country, especially during a period of heightened regional conflict.
Political Pressure Amid Ongoing Conflict
Netanyahu, one of Israel’s most divisive political figures, first became prime minister in 1996 and returned to power after the 2022 election, leading Israel’s most right-wing coalition in history.
His leadership has faced intense scrutiny since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the subsequent war in Gaza, which triggered widespread domestic and international criticism. Recent polls suggest Netanyahu’s coalition may struggle to secure enough seats in the 2026 election, adding to the mounting political pressure surrounding the prime minister.
