Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon. The President’s Residence confirmed that it received the request. Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, submitted a detailed 111-page petition along with a personal letter from the prime minister. Soon after, the President’s office made the full request public.
Lawyer claims a pardon will help the country
In the petition, Hadad argued that a pardon would help Netanyahu focus fully on leading Israel during difficult times. He wrote, “Granting this request will allow the prime minister to devote all of his time, abilities, and energy to advancing Israel in these critical times,” and to deal with “the challenges and opportunities that lie before it.”
He also said a pardon could ease divisions in society. According to him, it would “help mend rifts between different sectors of the public, open the door to lowering the intensity of tensions, all for the purpose of strengthening the country’s national resilience.”
Request sent for official review
Herzog’s office said that Hadad delivered the application to the Legal Department of the President’s Residence. After that, the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department will begin its process. The department “will gather the opinions of all the relevant authorities in the ministry,” Herzog’s office said. Then, it will send those opinions to the president’s legal adviser for further review.
President calls it an “extraordinary request”
The President’s office clearly stated that it understands the seriousness of this step. In a formal message, it said, “The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications.” It also added that President Herzog will “responsibly and sincerely consider the request” after receiving all the necessary opinions.
Under Israeli law, the president can issue pardons to people convicted in court. In exceptional cases, he can also grant a pardon before a trial ends if it is considered to be in the public interest.
Netanyahu earlier denied seeking a pardon
Earlier this month, Netanyahu said he would not ask for a pardon in his corruption trial if it meant admitting guilt. That statement now stands in contrast to his recent formal request to the president.
Trump reportedly supports the pardon
Meanwhile, reports say that US President Donald Trump also contacted President Herzog. He reportedly wrote a letter and asked him to grant a pardon to Netanyahu.
Ongoing corruption trial
Netanyahu is currently facing one charge of bribery and three charges each of fraud and breach of trust. These charges relate to three separate corruption cases. His trial began in 2020. It is still continuing and remains far from a final conclusion.