Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially submitted a request for a presidential pardon to President Isaac Herzog, seeking relief from three long-running corruption trials. The move comes amid US pressure and ongoing legal proceedings that have made Netanyahu the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face such charges.

Netanyahu’s Pardon Request

Netanyahu faces three separate cases, dating back to 2019, involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust. He denies all wrongdoing. In a video posted on US-based social media platform X, Netanyahu stated, “My trial has been ongoing for nearly six years and is expected to continue for several more.”

While he wishes the trials could proceed to acquittal, Netanyahu cited national security and political realities as reasons for seeking clemency: “The nation faces tremendous challenges. The continuation of the trial tears us apart internally, deepening divisions.”

Netanyahu’s legal team submitted the official pardon request to President Herzog, emphasizing the step is in the interest of the country, with the Prime Minister hoping it will gain broad support.

Trump’s Letter to Herzog

The pardon request follows direct pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who has urged President Herzog to grant clemency. Trump had previously written to Herzog in early November and publicly called for Netanyahu’s pardon in October, highlighting the strategic importance of supporting Israel’s leadership amid ongoing regional and internal challenges.

Netanyahu’s Corruption Cases

Netanyahu’s three cases, known as the “1000,” “2000,” and “4000” files, involve accusations of accepting lavish gifts such as cigars, jewelry, and champagne from wealthy political supporters, as well as attempts to influence media coverage.

The initial indictment was filed by former Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on November 21, 2019, charging Netanyahu with bribery, breach of trust, and misuse of office for personal gain. His first court hearing took place on May 24, 2020, at the Jerusalem District Court, while he appeared for the first time in the Tel Aviv District Court on December 10, 2024.

Presidential Authority

Although largely ceremonial, President Herzog has the power to grant pardons under exceptional circumstances. Netanyahu’s ongoing trial, which began in 2020, has yet to reach a verdict, making the pardon request both unprecedented and politically sensitive.