Journalism of Courage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon in his long-running corruption case, saying the trial is making it hard for him to carry out his duties.
Netanyahu has always denied the bribery, fraud and breach-of-trust charges. His lawyers told the president in a letter that he still expects to be cleared.
Netanyahu said in a short video released by his Likud party: “My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step,” according to Reuters.
Herzog’s office confirmed it had received the request and published the letter from the lawyers. The office said the request will go to the Ministry of Justice for its opinion. The justice ministry’s view will then be passed to the president’s legal adviser, who will prepare a recommendation.
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Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a senior Likud figure and close Netanyahu ally, will not take part in the president’s final decision.
In their letter, Netanyahu’s lawyers said the ongoing case was widening divisions in Israeli society and that ending the trial would help national unity. They also said the growing number of court hearings was a heavy burden while Netanyahu was trying to govern.
Netanyahu said he was being asked to appear in court far too often. “I am required to testify three times a week … That is an impossible demand that is not made of any other citizen,” he said in the video, reported by Reuters. He added he had won repeated elections and held the public’s trust.
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Neither Netanyahu nor his lawyers admitted any wrongdoing. In Israel, pardons are normally granted only after a conviction and sentencing. The lawyers argued the president should act now because the public interest required it.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu should not receive a pardon unless he admits guilt, expresses remorse and steps away from political life.
