Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon in his long-running corruption trial, arguing that ending the proceedings is now in the national interest.
In a televised address, Netanyahu said the five-year trial — in which he faces multiple charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — is undermining his ability to lead.
He claimed the legal battle is fueling political division at a time when Israel needs unity to confront major security and diplomatic challenges.
“The State of Israel faces immense challenges alongside tremendous opportunities,” he said.
“To meet them, national unity is required. The continuation of the trial tears us apart and deepens the rifts within our society.”
Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister ever to stand trial, insisted he still wants to clear his name but said attending court hearings three times a week is a distraction incompatible with running the country.
He argued that closing the case would help “lower the flames” and promote reconciliation.
The request comes just weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump made a similar appeal for clemency from President Herzog.
Netanyahu has long denied accusations that he prolonged the Gaza war to secure his coalition’s survival and shield himself from legal jeopardy.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Herzog to reject the petition unless Netanyahu admits guilt, expresses remorse, and withdraws from political life.
“You cannot grant him a pardon without an admission of guilt and an immediate retirement,” Lapid said.
Herzog’s office called the request “extraordinary” with far-reaching consequences.
“The president acknowledged receiving the petition and has forwarded it to the Justice Ministry’s pardons department for review, saying he will consider it “responsibly and sincerely.”
In Israel, presidential pardons are rarely granted before a conviction, making Netanyahu’s bid highly unusual.
