MWE Correspondent
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog amid his ongoing corruption trial, a case that has deeply divided the nation.
The request, submitted in late November 2025, follows months of contentious legal proceedings and political controversy concerning allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the trial as politically motivated. In his petition, he argued that the protracted legal process is straining national institutions and hindering the government’s ability to address pressing issues, including regional security and economic challenges.
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Supporters of the prime minister have presented the pardon request as a pragmatic step to restore political stability and national unity.
The office of the president has confirmed receipt of the petition, describing it as “extraordinary,” and stated that legal advisors along with the Justice Ministry would carefully review it. In Israel, legal pardons are rarely granted before a conviction and usually follow an admission of guilt, which Netanyahu has not made. Observers note that the outcome could set an important precedent regarding political accountability and the rule of law.
The announcement immediately triggered a heated debate across Israel’s political spectrum. Opposition leaders criticized the request as undermining the judiciary, arguing that granting a pardon prior to a court verdict would establish a dangerous precedent. Conversely, Netanyahu’s supporters emphasized the practical consequences of prolonged court proceedings and the need to maintain effective governance during a politically turbulent period.
