Netanyahu Asks Israel’s President to Pardon Him in Corruption Cases

Netanyahu’s pardon request

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon in the corruption cases that have been pending against him for years. The move comes as Israel heads toward a politically charged year, with the trials having become a central point of public debate and division.

Background on the corruption cases

Netanyahu has been indicted in three separate cases on charges that include bribery, fraud and breach of trust linked to gifts from wealthy businessmen and alleged attempts to secure favorable media coverage. He has repeatedly denied all accusations, entered not‑guilty pleas, and insists he is the target of a politically motivated campaign.

Content of the request

In his request, Netanyahu argues that the long-running legal proceedings are hampering his ability to govern effectively and that a pardon would serve Israel’s broader public interest. His lawyers told the president that he remains confident he would eventually be acquitted, while still asking for clemency to put an end to the trial. Netanyahu’s appeal does not include any admission of guilt or a commitment to step away from political life.

Presidential and institutional response

President Herzog’s office has described the appeal as an “extraordinary” request with “significant implications,” noting that it will be examined through established legal channels before any decision is made. The papers submitted by Netanyahu and his attorney will be reviewed by the Justice Ministry’s pardons department and by the president’s legal advisers, with no clear timeline announced for a final response.

Political and public reactions

Critics in the opposition argue that granting a pardon would damage Israel’s democratic institutions and send a message that the country’s leader stands above the law. Supporters contend that ending the trial could help reduce internal tensions and allow the government to focus on security and regional diplomatic challenges.

Netanyahu has maintained that he is innocent of all charges and that the cases against him are part of a broader attempt to remove him from power.

External influence

The request follows a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Herzog roughly two weeks earlier urging the Israeli president to consider a full pardon for Netanyahu. Trump has publicly dismissed the allegations, portraying the gifts and benefits at the heart of the cases as insignificant and calling for the proceedings to be halted.

Author’s summary: Netanyahu’s unprecedented bid for a presidential pardon in his corruption cases, backed by Trump and condemned by opponents, has become a high‑stakes test for Israel’s legal system and political stability.

The New York Times — 2025-11-30