Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog in his ongoing corruption trial, marking a major reversal after years of insisting he would clear his name in court.
In a letter made public Sunday, Netanyahu argued that the trial has become a source of national division and that “public interest” outweighs his personal desire to prove innocence. Herzog confirmed receipt of the request and said he will consider it carefully.
JUST IN: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked Israeli President Herzog for a pardon as he stands trial on corruption and fraud charges — weeks after President Trump sent his own letter urging clemency. pic.twitter.com/bDjpfn2Qex
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 30, 2025
Netanyahu’s critics condemned the move. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Herzog to reject any pardon without an admission of guilt and Netanyahu’s immediate exit from political life.
Other opponents said the request signals guilt after years of delays in the trial, which involves bribery, fraud and breach of trust allegations tied to favorable media coverage.
Netanyahu’s allies backed the plea, while President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon him. Herzog’s decision could take months, as Israeli law typically limits pardons to post-conviction cases.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
