December 1, 2025 | 01:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is implicated in several corruption cases, has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. Herzog's office stated on Sunday, as reported by Al Jazeera, "The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications. After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request."
Netanyahu is facing three separate corruption cases filed in 2019, including allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies the charges and pleads not guilty.
This request comes as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in the ongoing cases. Herzog also received a letter from Trump in early November urging him to consider the pardon.
During Trump's visit to Israel in October, he also pressed Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in his speech addressing the Israeli parliament. Netanyahu is also sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in the history of Israel to stand trial, facing charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases. He is also accused of trading favors with wealthy political backers.
The corruption cases against him involve allegations of receiving gifts totaling nearly 700,000 shekels or about US$211,832 from several business moguls.
Although the Israeli presidency is largely ceremonial, Herzog has the authority to pardon convicted criminals in exceptional circumstances. Netanyahu's trial, which began in 2020, is ongoing.
In a statement recorded in a video, Netanyahu said the trial has divided the country and a pardon would help restore national unity. He also mentioned that the requirement to attend court three times a week is a disturbance that makes it difficult for him to lead the country.
Netanyahu's request consists of two documents, a detailed letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by the prime minister. These documents will be sent to the Ministry of Justice for opinion and then forwarded to the legal advisor in the president's office, who will formulate additional opinions for the president.
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