Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted a 111-page request for a presidential pardon, seeking to halt his long-running corruption trial while remaining in office. The appeal, delivered to President Isaac Herzog, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has sought a pre-conviction pardon in an active criminal case.
Netanyahu, who has been facing charges for six years, is attempting to close the case without admitting guilt and without stepping down, even as he battles accusations of fraud, bribery and breach of trust in three high-profile cases.
What Netanyahu Is Accused Of
Netanyahu is the only sitting Israeli leader to stand trial.
He faces three sets of charges:
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Bribery
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Fraud
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Breach of trust
Prosecutors allege he exchanged political favours with wealthy businessmen — including a telecom executive, a Hollywood producer and a newspaper publisher — in return for valuable gifts or favourable media coverage.
The indictments were announced in 2019, and the trial began in May 2020. Netanyahu denies all allegations and insists he is the target of a coordinated campaign by the judiciary, police and media.
The process has been repeatedly delayed due to Netanyahu's diplomatic travel, security obligations, Israel’s political instability, and the country’s wars with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. Critics, including families of Israeli hostages in Gaza, accuse him of using the conflict to delay the trial.
Netanyahu’s Argument: Trial Is Dividing Israel
In his pardon request, Netanyahu portrays the case as a national burden. He claims:
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The trial is deepening divisions inside Israel.
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Appearing in court multiple times a week hinders his ability to govern.
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Ending the case would promote “broad reconciliation” in a region facing ongoing instability.
He also argued that the legal proceedings have fueled political polarisation and weakened Israel’s unity during wartime.
Some ministers, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, expressed support.
Netanyahu additionally claimed that US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli leaders to pardon him — both publicly in the Knesset and privately in a letter to President Herzog, labelling the prosecution “political” and “unjustified.”
Political Fallout and Public Opposition
Netanyahu and Herzog, once rivals, now work closely. Herzog has previously said a negotiated settlement could be the most practical way to conclude the case.
But Netanyahu’s pardon request has sparked protests. Demonstrators gathered outside Herzog’s residence, leaving bananas and signs accusing the government of turning Israel into a “banana republic.”
Critics also highlight Netanyahu’s past stance:
He once demanded the resignation of former PM Ehud Olmert during Olmert’s corruption scandal. Olmert stepped down before indictment and later served time in prison — a sharp contrast to Netanyahu’s refusal to step aside.
Herzog has not yet indicated when he will make a decision on the unprecedented request.
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