Jerusalem, Nov 30. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through his lawyer, has sent a request to President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in the trial in which he faces three cases of corruption, fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, the president's office confirmed.
«The President's Office is aware that this is an extraordinary request that carries significant implications,» the statement reads.
The letter from Netanyahu's legal team, disseminated by the presidency, begins by mentioning Trump's letter and, based on it, requests the pardon and the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against the prime minister.
The head of state detailed that the request has been transferred to the Pardons Department of the Ministry of Justice, which will collect the opinions of the relevant authorities in this portfolio, held by Yariv Levin of Likud (Netanyahu's party). These opinions will be sent to Herzog's legal advisor so that he can formulate his opinion.
«The criminal proceedings in the case of the prime minister harm the interests of the State of Israel, exacerbate disputes between different sectors of the population, and divert public attention from the political and security issues on the national agenda,» the Netanyahu team's letter states.
Concluding the corruption trial 'for the good' of Israel
The Prime Minister's lawyers base their request on his 'management' of the conflicts Israel has faced in the last two years, such as the offensive in Gaza following the October 7 attacks, the one undertaken against Lebanon, attacks on the Houthis of Yemen, the war with Iran, and growing tensions with Syria.
«It is evident that the prime minister must, from now on, dedicate all his strength, energy, time, and intelligence to leading the State of Israel,» they state.
Netanyahu's letter repeatedly states that his 'personal interest' is to continue the trial with the certainty that he will be acquitted.
After receiving all relevant opinions, the president will consider the request with sincerity and responsibility,» the Israeli presidency said in a statement.
Earlier, in early November, U.S. President Donald Trump appealed to Herzog in a letter to pardon Netanyahu, defending his role in managing the country.
During his visit in October, the U.S. leader asked in the Israeli Parliament for amnesty: 'Why don't they grant him a pardon?', he then said to the president, 'Who cares about some cigars and champagne?'
