TEL AVIV — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon as he faces a long-running corruption trial that has polarized Israel. Netanyahu’s office said the petition was submitted to the legal department of the president’s office; the presidency characterized the filing as an extraordinary request with far-reaching implications.
Netanyahu is the only serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial. He faces charges across three separate cases — including fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes — accusations that allege he traded favors with wealthy backers. He has not been convicted of any of the charges.
The pardon petition follows public appeals from U.S. President Donald Trump urging an act of clemency. In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu said the trial has torn the country apart and argued that a pardon would help heal divisions. He also complained that court appearances, reportedly three times a week, distract him and hinder his ability to govern effectively.
The filing to the president consisted of two documents: a detailed submission from Netanyahu’s attorney and a personal letter from the prime minister. Those papers will first be reviewed by the justice ministry and then forwarded to the legal adviser in the Office of the President, who will prepare recommendations and legal opinions for the president to consider.