Benjamin Netanyahu asks Israeli president for pardon in ongoing corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, seeking to end the five-year corruption trial involving charges of bribery and fraud.

The request, submitted by the Prime Minister's lawyers, argues that granting a pardon would be in the "public interest" and allow the government to concentrate on "affairs of State," according to media reports detailing passages of the submission. Netanyahu stated that closing the process would help "reduce the intensity of the flames" of public controversy.

Netanyahu is currently standing trial in three judicial cases involving corruption and influence peddling. In his 111-page submission, the Prime Minister did not admit guilt or apologize for the alleged irregularities. Instead, he acknowledged "wide public and moral responsibility" for the tension and intense controversy caused by the legal proceedings.

The Prime Minister asserted that the criminal proceedings against him "harm the interests of the State of Israel, exacerbate the disputes between the various sectors of the population and divert the public attention from the political and security issues on the national agenda." He added that tensions and disagreements have intensified between different segments of the public and various state authorities in recent years.

Netanyahu emphasized that while he has a personal interest in continuing the trial to demonstrate his innocence until full acquittal, he believes the public interest dictates otherwise, requiring the closure of the process. He further justified the request in a subsequent video, citing the need to promote "national unity" and security in Israel.

President Herzog's office acknowledged receipt of the submission from the Prime Minister's lawyer. Officials said the request has been passed to the pardons department in the Ministry of Justice. The president's legal adviser will also formulate an opinion before President Herzog makes a final decision.

The President's office noted that they are aware the request is "extraordinary" and "carries with it significant implications." They confirmed that the President will "responsibly and sincerely consider the request" after receiving all relevant opinions.

Presidential pardons in Israel are rarely granted before a conviction. Authorities noted that a pre-emptive pardon for a politician facing corruption charges, especially without an admission of guilt, is highly unusual. The only notable exception to the practice of granting pardons before conviction occurred in 1986, involving the Shin Bet security service.