Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of many corruption cases for a long time. Now Netanyahu has formally sent a request for pardon to President Isaac Herzog. However, the President’s Office has said that they will consider it. In a statement issued on Sunday, President Herzog’s office said, “The President’s Office is aware that this is an extraordinary request, which could have serious implications. After receiving all relevant opinions and documents, the President will consider this request responsibly and honestly.”
Three separate corruption cases were filed against Netanyahu in 2019. They are facing these same issues. Which includes allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies all the allegations and declares himself innocent.
Trump also wrote a letter
Netanyahu has requested this pardon at a time when US President Donald Trump is pressurizing President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in these cases. Herzog also received a letter from Trump in early November, in which he appealed to consider a pardon.
When Trump went to Israel in October, while addressing the Israeli Parliament, he also asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.
ICC has issued warrant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued a warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant. They have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Accused in which case?
Netanyahu is the only sitting Prime Minister in Israel’s history to face trial. He has been accused of fraud, breach of trust and taking bribe in three separate cases. The allegation is that he extended benefits to his wealthy political supporters in return for benefits.
The corruption cases also include allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts worth approximately 700,000 shekels (approximately ₹1.90 crore) from businessmen.
The post of the Israeli President may be largely ceremonial, but in exceptional circumstances the President has the right to pardon convicted criminals. However, Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, is not over yet.
What did Netanyahu say about the lawsuit?
In a video statement, Netanyahu said the trial was dividing the country and an amnesty would help restore national unity. He also said that the compulsion to appear in court three times a week creates great hindrance in his work and makes it difficult to lead the country.
Netanyahu’s pardon request was contained in two documents — a detailed letter signed by his lawyer and a second letter signed by the prime minister himself. Now these documents will be sent to the Ministry of Justice for opinion and then given to the Legal Advisor of the President’s Office, who will prepare further legal opinion for the President.
Leave a Reply