Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his long-running corruption case, saying the criminal trial is interfering with his ability to lead and that ending it would benefit the country. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, maintains his innocence in the bribery, fraud, and breach of trust allegations, and his lawyers insist he still expects to be fully cleared. In a short video released by his Likud party, Netanyahu confirmed the request, saying anyone who cares about Israel should support the move. Neither he nor his legal team admitted any wrongdoing.

Opposition chief Yair Lapid criticised the request, arguing that Netanyahu should not receive a pardon unless he confesses, shows remorse, and immediately leaves political life. Pardons in Israel are normally granted only after a conviction, but Netanyahu’s lawyers claimed the president has the authority to intervene early when the public interest and national unity are at stake.

Herzog’s office called the request unusual and significant, saying it would be evaluated carefully. The matter will be sent to the Justice Ministry’s pardons department and reviewed before a recommendation is given to the president. Earlier this month, former US President Donald Trump urged Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, calling the case a political prosecution.

Netanyahu’s lawyers argued that the trial has worsened social divisions and that frequent court appearances make it difficult for him to perform his duties. Netanyahu said he is expected to testify three times a week—an unrealistic demand for a sitting leader who has repeatedly won public trust at the polls. The prime minister was indicted in 2019 in three cases involving alleged gifts and favourable media coverage in exchange for political favours. He has consistently denied any misconduct. Coalition partners such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich backed his pardon request.

Meanwhile, critics like former military deputy chief Yair Golan urged the president to reject the appeal and called on Netanyahu to step down. Netanyahu, a deeply polarising figure who first became prime minister in 1996, regained office after the 2022 election. Polls suggest his current right-wing coalition may struggle in the next election due by October 2026.

Netanyahu’s tenure has been overshadowed by the corruption charges and by major national crises. He was in power during Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack—considered Israel’s most traumatic event since the Holocaust—and has since led the war in Gaza, which has resulted in massive Palestinian casualties and extensive destruction, drawing widespread international criticism. Israel has also significantly weakened Hamas and Hezbollah and recently waged a campaign against Iran that targeted key military assets.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.