Netanyahu Appeals for Presidential Pardon Amid Ongoing Corruption Trial

Wed Jan 14 2026 19:27:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog concerning corruption charges that have manned his position for over five years. Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that a pardon would serve national interest and reconciliation.

Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a pardon linked to ongoing corruption cases, emphasizing the need for national reconciliation in Israel. As he stands trial facing serious charges, Netanyahu has argued that concluding his legal battles could benefit the country. The situation remains contentious, with opposition leaders insisting he must accept guilt before any pardon is granted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country's President, Isaac Herzog, for a pardon over corruption cases he has been battling.

The president's office said Herzog would receive opinions from justice officials before considering the request which carries with it significant implications.

Netanyahu has been standing trial for the past five years on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He denies wrongdoing.

In a video message, he expressed that he would have preferred to see the trial through to the end but concluded that national interest demanded otherwise.

The Israeli opposition argues that he must admit guilt before seeking a pardon.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump pushed Herzog to fully pardon Netanyahu. Herzog previously indicated that formal requests were required for a pardon.

Released last Sunday, the request stemmed from the significance of the issue and offered no timeline for the president's decision.

In 2020, Netanyahu became the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial, facing allegations of accepting gifts from businessmen in exchange for political favors, among other charges. He has characterized the process as a witch hunt aimed at curtailing his political power.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Netanyahu believes a pardon could foster national unity and help Israel address challenges effectively. His political opponents counter that seeking a pardon without an admission of guilt conflates personal interests with national ones.

According to Israel's Basic Law, the president has the authority to grant pardons, although the High Court of Justice has ruled that such actions can occur prior to conviction under certain conditions. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party stands firmly behind him, while many citizens, particularly those on the left, view a presidential pardon as a potential threat to democratic principles.

Public dissent regarding proposed judicial reforms has persisted, exacerbated by crises stemming from conflicts, including recent violent engagements in Gaza.

Additionally, Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court related to war crimes during the Hamas conflict, which he has dismissed as antisemitic.

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