Israel : Netanyahu asks president to grant him pardon from corruption charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Israel’s president to grant him a pardon amid his long-running corruption trial.

In a statement released on Sunday, the prime minister’s office confirmed that Netanyahu had formally submitted the pardon request to the legal department of the President’s Office.

The presidency described it as an “extraordinary request” with “significant implications,” adding that President Isaac Herzog would “responsibly and sincerely consider" it.

In his brief, one-page letter, Netanyahu does not admit guilt for any wrongdoing. Instead, he acknowledges a “broad public and ethical responsibility” for the tension surrounding the ongoing proceedings, and claims the pardon would help unify Israel.

Netanyahu added that he has to testify three times a week, which he believes is a distraction that makes it difficult to lead the country.

However, opponents have criticised the request, arguing that it could undermine Israel’s democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent by placing Netanyahu above the rule of law.

Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial, charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases involving alleged exchanges of political favours with wealthy associates. He has not been convicted of any crime.

It comes weeks after US President Donald Trump also urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu. The US leader sent a letter to Herzog, calling the corruption case "political" and "unjustified".