Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted a request for a pardon to the country's President Isaac Herzog.
The president's office stated Herzog would seek input from justice officials before considering the extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications.
Netanyahu has been on trial for five years facing allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, all of which he denies. He expressed in a video message that while he would have preferred to see the trial concluded, he believes that national interests necessitate his request for a pardon.
Previously, US President Donald Trump also urged Herzog to extend a full pardon to Netanyahu. Herzog clarified that any individual seeking a pardon must submit a formal request.
Despite the request's release, Herzog's office did not indicate when a decision would be reached.
Netanyahu became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges in 2020. He is accused of receiving gifts such as cigars and champagne from influential businessmen in return for favors, as well as trying to secure favorable media coverage through regulatory changes. Netanyahu has consistently labeled the proceedings against him as a political witch-hunt.
In light of the ongoing civil issues and recent Hamas-led attacks, Netanyahu contends that his trial exacerbates national disunity. He believes concluding the trial could foster much-needed reconciliation amid significant challenges facing the nation.
Per Israel's Basic Law, the president possesses the authority to grant pardons before conviction if it serves the public interest or under extreme personal circumstances. However, the prospect of a pardon for Netanyahu is contentious, especially for those who perceive it as a significant blow to the nation's democratic standards, coming in a time of heightened sensitivity regarding judicial reforms.
