Tel aviv: Israeli protesters gathered outside the private residence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon in his corruption case before a court ruling. Netanyahu submitted a pardon to the president on Sunday in a long-running corruption case, arguing that the criminal proceedings were hampering his ability to govern and that a pardon would benefit Israel.
According to Thai News Agency, Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, has denied allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. His lawyers stated in a letter to the president’s office that the prime minister remains confident the legal process will ultimately result in a dismissal. Netanyahu mentioned in a brief video statement released by his Likud party that his lawyers had submitted a request for a pardon to the president and that he expected well-wishers of the country to support the step.
However, protest leader Shikma Bresler argued that Netanyahu was asking for a complete dismissal of the trial, without any accountability or redress for his actions, especially concerning the events of October 7th. The potential pardon would be unprecedented, as Israel has never granted a pardon to a sitting prime minister, potentially influencing Israeli politics by granting pardons during an election year.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed that Netanyahu should not receive a pardon without admitting guilt, showing remorse, and resigning from politics. Typically, pardons in Israel are granted only after the legal process concludes and the defendant has been convicted. Netanyahu’s lawyers argue that the president can intervene when there is a risk of harming the public interest, aiming to heal divisions and strengthen national unity.
The President’s Office acknowledged the request as a “special case” of “significance,” and noted that the President will consider it responsibly after receiving relevant comments. Previously, US President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog, urging him to consider a pardon for Netanyahu, labeling the case as an unfair political prosecution.
Herzog’s office stated that the request would be sent to the Justice Ministry’s pardons division to gather feedback, which would then be forwarded to the president’s legal counsel for recommendations. Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party and a close ally of the prime minister, confirmed that the request would be forwarded to the Justice Ministry. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three separate cases related to allegations of providing favors to prominent business figures.