Netanyahu, who is the country’s longest serving prime minister, faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust which he denies. His legal team submitted the request to President Isaac Herzog and stated that the prime minister remains confident that the case would ultimately result in a full acquittal.
In a short video message released by the Likud party, Netanyahu said that anyone who wishes for the good of the country should support the request. Neither he nor his lawyers admitted any wrongdoing.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid strongly criticized the move. He insisted that a pardon should not be granted unless Netanyahu admits guilt, expresses remorse and immediately leaves political life.
Historically, Israeli presidents have issued pardons only after legal proceedings conclude and a conviction is recorded. Netanyahu’s lawyers argued that the president has the authority to intervene earlier when public interest requires it. They claimed the trial is deepening national divisions and that ending it would help strengthen unity.
President Herzog’s office described the request as extraordinary and said it carries significant implications for the state. The office added that the president will review the request responsibly after receiving all relevant legal opinions.
Former United States President Donald Trump recently wrote to Herzog urging him to consider granting Netanyahu a pardon. Trump described the case as a political and unjustified prosecution.
Herzog’s office confirmed that the request has been forwarded to the pardons department of the justice ministry for initial review. The department will collect opinions and send them to the president’s legal adviser who will then prepare a recommendation.
Netanyahu said in his statement that he is required to testify three times a week which he described as an impossible demand for someone responsible for governing the country. He emphasized that he continues to hold public trust after repeatedly winning elections.
The prime minister was indicted in 2019 in three separate cases involving allegations that he granted favours to wealthy businessmen in exchange for gifts and favourable media coverage. He has consistently denied all charges.
Members of Netanyahu’s coalition expressed support for the pardon request including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Opposition figure Yair Golan urged the president to reject the request and called on Netanyahu to resign.
Netanyahu remains one of Israel’s most divisive political leaders. First elected in 1996, he has alternated between government and opposition and returned to power after the 2022 election.
The next election is scheduled for October 2026 and recent polls suggest his right wing coalition may struggle to secure enough seats to form the next government.
Netanyahu’s leadership has been defined by security and economic issues but overshadowed by the corruption allegations. He was prime minister during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack which is regarded as the most traumatic event in Israel’s history since the Holocaust.
Since then, he has led the war in Gaza which has caused massive destruction and heavy civilian casualties and drawn extensive international criticism. Israel has severely weakened Hamas and Hezbollah and this year launched military operations against Iran that targeted key infrastructure.
