TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon, arguing that his ongoing corruption trial is fracturing the country and undermining national unity.
The move, announced Sunday in a video statement, marks an unprecedented moment in Israeli politics and has triggered fierce debate across the political spectrum.
Netanyahu, who has been on trial for nearly six years, said the proceedings could continue for “many more years”, calling the burden of the process — including a demand that he testify three times a week — “an impossible requirement.”
Although he emphasized his desire to fight for full acquittal, he said Israel’s political reality left him with little choice.
“The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions,” he said, insisting that an “immediate end” to the case would help calm the political climate.
Trump’s Letter and a 111-Page Appeal
The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to pardon Netanyahu. The Israeli leader’s legal team on Sunday submitted a 111-page request to Herzog — without admitting guilt — echoing arguments about societal division and national stability.
Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the request, describing it as “extraordinary” and promising careful deliberation.
Netanyahu’s Charges
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting luxury gifts worth more than $260,000 from wealthy associates in exchange for political favours. Additional charges link him to attempts to influence favourable media coverage. He has consistently denied all allegations, calling the cases political persecution.
At 76, Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving leader, having held office for more than 18 years combined. His judicial reform efforts in his current term triggered some of the largest protests in Israel’s history before the Gaza war shifted national attention.
Legal and Political Reactions
Legal experts say the pardon request faces complications. Under Israeli law, pardons apply only to convicted individuals — and Netanyahu has not been convicted.
Prof. Eli Salzberger of the University of Haifa said the timing of the request appears “orchestrated,” predicting that if Herzog denies it, Netanyahu may be pushed toward a plea bargain.
Opposition leaders strongly rejected the appeal. Yair Lapid said any pardon must require “admission of guilt, remorse, and immediate exit from political life.” Yair Golan added bluntly: “Only the guilty seek pardon.”
Meanwhile, supporters in Netanyahu’s governing coalition defended him. Defence Minister Israel Katz said a pardon would help heal a “deep rift” in society, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed Netanyahu had been “persecuted for years by a corrupt judicial system.”
Public Protest and Fears for Democracy
Outside Herzog’s home in Tel Aviv, dozens of protesters gathered, urging rejection of the request. Activist Shikma Bressler accused Netanyahu of trying to dismantle the judiciary, while others warned that approving a pardon would undermine Israel’s democracy.
Netanyahu, who says he will stand in Israel’s next elections due by 2026, is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial for corruption. His predecessor Ehud Olmert resigned before his own trial in 2009 and later served a prison sentence.
Herzog is expected to take weeks to decide — a ruling that could reshape Israel’s political future.
