Netanyahu asks Israeli president for pardon from corruption charges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him pardon from corruption charges that have devolved into a long-running trial.

Netanyahu faces corruption charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

The charges relate to multiple cases, including accusations that Netanyahu accepted gifts like cigars and champagne from wealthy figures in exchange for political favours.

He was indicted in 2019, making him the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be charged.

The trial began in 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The case has since resumed with Netanyahu granting testimonies.

However, the court now seeks to expedite the process.

Netanyahu’s supporters have termed the charges as a politically motivated witch hunt while his opponents view the case as a necessary defence of the rule of law.

The prime minister’s office on Sunday said Netanyahu had submitted a request for a pardon to the legal department of the office of the president.

Netanyahu did not admit guilt in the one-page letter, but argued that the request was in the “public interest”.

The president’s office called it an “extraordinary request,” carrying with it “significant implications” but noted that Herzog would “consider it with great care and responsibility”.

Netanyahu’s request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump wrote Herzog, also seeking pardon for the Israeli prime minister.