Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed an 'extraordinary' request for presidential clemency, asking President Isaac Herzog to halt his ongoing corruption trial, the President's Office announced on Sunday. The move follows a controversial letter from former US President Donald Trump urging Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 111-page submission includes a letter personally signed by Netanyahu and another from his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who argued that the trial undermines the prime minister's ability to govern during a critical period for Israel. Hadad emphasized that granting the request would enable Netanyahu to focus fully on advancing Israel and addressing its challenges and opportunities. Additionally, Hadad suggested that a pardon could help mend societal rifts and reduce tensions, thereby strengthening national resilience.
Herzog had previously stated that any pardon request would require Netanyahu to admit guilt, a condition the prime minister has consistently refused to meet. The application from Netanyahu contains no admission of wrongdoing. His request has been forwarded to the Justice Ministry's Pardons Department, which will gather legal opinions before Herzog makes a decision. The President's Office described the submission as 'extraordinary' with 'significant implications,' and has committed to a thorough review of the documents, which were made public for transparency.
Netanyahu is currently on trial for fraud, bribery, and breach of trust across three investigations. The most serious, known as the 'Gifts Affair,' alleges that he and his wife received USD 200,000 worth of gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan in exchange for assistance with US visa matters and favorable tax provisions. He is also accused of granting regulatory favors to the Bezeq telecom group in return for positive media coverage, and of advancing policies to benefit the newspaper Yediot Aharonot in a separate media-related case. Netanyahu denies all allegations and maintains that the proceedings do not affect his responsibilities as prime minister.
No serving Israeli Prime Minister has ever been indicted on criminal charges. Ehud Olmert stepped down in 2008 ahead of his own indictment for corruption. Olmert was eventually convicted and served two-thirds of a 27-month prison sentence.
