Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested from the president of the country to grant him a pardon in his long-running corruption trial, arguing that the criminal proceedings hinder his ability to govern and that a pardon would be good for Israel.
Netanyahu, the longest-serving political leader in the premiership in the country’s history, denies the charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. His lawyers stated in a letter addressed to the president’s office that the prime minister continues to believe that the judicial proceedings will result in his complete acquittal.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that Netanyahu should not receive a pardon without admitting guilt, expressing remorse, and immediately withdrawing from political life, appealing to the president not to grant him a pardon.
In Israel, a pardon is generally granted only after judicial proceedings have concluded and the defendant has been convicted.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied having done anything wrong. His allies in the governing coalition issued statements supporting Netanyahu’s request to be granted a pardon, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Netanyahu was first elected prime minister in 1996. Since then, he has served in government and opposition and returned to the premiership after elections in 2002.
The next elections are expected to take place by October 2026, and many polls indicate that his coalition, the most far-right in Israel’s history, will struggle to win enough seats to form a government.
Source: NYT
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