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.
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.
“Granting this request will allow the prime minister to devote all of his time, abilities, and energy to advancing Israel in these critical times,” wrote Hadad, “and to deal with the challenges and opportunities that lie before it.”
“In addition, granting the request will help mend rifts between different sectors of the public, open the door to lowering the intensity of tensions, all for the purpose of strengthening the country’s national resilience.”
Herzog, however, had previously said that any pardon request would require Netanyahu to admit guilt — something the prime minister has repeatedly refused to do.
His application contains no admission of wrongdoing.
Netanyahu’s request has been referred 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,” saying it would undergo a thorough review. In the interest of transparency, the documents were released to the public.
Netanyahu is on trial for fraud, bribery, and breach of trust across three investigations. The most serious, the “Gifts Affair,” alleges that he and his wife received USD200,000 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 regulatory favors for the Bezeq telecom group in exchange for positive media coverage, and of advancing policies to benefit Yediot Aharonot in a separate media-related case.
Netanyahu denies all allegations and maintains that the proceedings do not impair his duties 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. (TPS-IL)