Netanyahu Requests Presidential Pardon as Corruption Trial Continues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked the country’s president for a pardon in the corruption cases that have followed him for years, arguing that the legal process is preventing him from carrying out his duties and that ending the proceedings would serve the national interest. The request marks a significant turn in a case that has shaped Israel’s political landscape since Netanyahu was indicted in 2019.

Netanyahu, who is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in several connected cases. He has repeatedly rejected the allegations and maintains that the investigations were politically motivated. His legal team submitted the pardon request in a letter to the president’s office on Sunday, saying the prime minister continues to believe that a full acquittal would eventually be reached but that the ongoing trial has become an obstacle to effective governance.

In a short video message released by his Likud party, Netanyahu said he hoped the public and political leaders would support his decision. He said the request was made for the benefit of the country and that his priority was ensuring stability at a time of multiple national challenges. Netanyahu added that he still had confidence in the legal system but believed the country could not afford prolonged uncertainty while the trial continues.

The request for a pardon comes as the court proceedings have stretched into their fourth year. Hearings have involved testimony from former aides, business leaders, and media executives. Critics say the prime minister’s attempt to halt the trial through a pardon could undermine the independence of the judiciary, while supporters argue that the legal process has become too lengthy and disruptive for a serving head of government.

Legal analysts in Israel noted that presidential pardons are rare in cases involving sitting political leaders and that the president is not obligated to respond quickly. They also pointed out that granting a pardon before a verdict is reached would be an unusual step and could provoke debate within both the legal community and the wider public.

The corruption cases have been a source of deep division within Israeli society, influencing election campaigns, coalition negotiations and public trust in political institutions. Netanyahu’s supporters have long argued that the accusations stem from an effort to remove him from office through legal means rather than elections. Opponents say the charges reflect serious concerns about the relationship between political power, the media and major business interests.

The president’s office has not commented publicly on the request. Any decision will likely have major political implications, particularly for the future of Netanyahu’s leadership and the stability of his governing coalition. For now, the trial continues as scheduled until an official response is issued.