Netanyahu’s Bold Push for a Pardon Shakes Israel’s Political Landscape
So, let me walk you through what’s unfolding right now, because it’s a major moment in Israeli politics. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon in his long-running corruption trial — a trial that has been dragging on for years and has deeply divided the country.
This request was sent directly to President Isaac Herzog, who holds the exclusive authority to grant pardons in Israel. Netanyahu framed his appeal as something driven not by personal desperation, but by what he called the “public interest.” According to his letter, the trial has turned into a point of fierce national controversy, and the political rifts surrounding it have only grown wider. In his view, continuing the trial would keep tearing the country apart at a time when Israel is already facing major security challenges and crucial diplomatic openings.
Interestingly, Netanyahu insisted that he still wants to prove his innocence — he has never admitted wrongdoing — but he argued that the national interest now outweighs his desire to clear his name through the courts. What he didn’t offer, though, was an admission of guilt or any indication that he would step away from politics. That alone has stirred plenty of debate.
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Reactions arrived quickly. The president’s office confirmed the request and promised to consider it “with great care,” though the process could take a long time. Herzog is expected to consult justice officials, and because this kind of request before conviction is extremely rare, every step will be watched closely.
The opposition, unsurprisingly, erupted. Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, said the request must be rejected unless Netanyahu admits guilt, expresses remorse, and immediately exits political life. Others were even more blunt, insisting that “only someone guilty asks for a pardon.” Critics argue that granting this request would undermine public faith in Israel’s legal system, especially after years of protests against judicial reforms that many believed were designed to shield Netanyahu.
But Netanyahu’s allies are lining up behind him. Far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir endorsed the idea, calling a pardon essential for Israel’s security. And earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Herzog to grant the pardon, calling Netanyahu a decisive wartime leader who deserves relief.
Public opinion remains split. Some Israelis see the trial as a political witch-hunt, while others view a pardon as a dangerous precedent that risks weakening the rule of law. And legally, while Israel’s president can pardon someone even before conviction, experts warn that doing so too early risks bypassing the judicial system entirely.
For now, the future is uncertain. The trial could still continue for years if the request is denied, and no timeline has been given for Herzog’s decision. What’s clear is that Netanyahu’s move has reignited a fierce national debate — one that cuts right to the heart of Israel’s identity as a democracy.
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