On Sunday, November 30, the office of the President of Israel announced that Benjamin Netanyahu, who is under investigation for a number of corruption cases, has submitted a request for a pardon to Isaac Herzog. This information was published on the official website of the office.
The request consists of two main documents: a 111-page petition signed by the Prime Minister's lawyer Amit Hadad, and a letter written by Netanyahu himself. Representatives of the president's office noted that this request is exceptional and could have serious consequences. "The president, having received all necessary opinions, will consider it with due responsibility," the office added.
Transfer of documents to the Ministry of Justice
According to the president's office, all documents have been transferred to the legal department of the office, from where they will be sent to the Ministry of Justice of Israel. This department will gather opinions from all relevant bodies, after which its recommendations will be sent to the legal advisor in the president's office. A final decision will be made based on these recommendations.
The President of Israel has the right to pardon convicted individuals, and in rare cases, those whose cases have not yet been concluded in court, if such action is in the public interest.
In a video address published on the Likud party's page, Netanyahu emphasized that his case has divided society and that a pardon could help restore national unity. He also noted that the requirement to appear in court three times a week distracts him from fulfilling his duties as Prime Minister.
Charges against Netanyahu
Since 2019, Benjamin Netanyahu has faced charges in three criminal cases related to corruption, fraud, and abuse of power. Specifically, these involve receiving expensive gifts from influential friends and attempting to secure regulatory benefits for media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage of his activities. Netanyahu insists on his innocence. He became the first sitting Prime Minister of Israel to testify in court regarding criminal cases against him.
In June 2025, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, called for the cessation of the trial against Netanyahu, describing it as an "absurd witch hunt." In mid-October, during his speech in the Knesset, Trump suggested that the President of Israel pardon Netanyahu. In early November, Israeli media reported that Herzog received an official letter from Trump proposing a pardon for the Prime Minister.
Source: Deutsche Welle
