Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to the country’s president in his long-running corruption case, saying the criminal proceedings are hampering his ability to govern and that ending the trial would benefit the nation.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has denied charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
His lawyers told the president’s office that he still believes the legal process will eventually lead to a complete acquittal.
“My lawyers today sent a request for forgiveness to the country’s president. I hope that anyone who wishes the country well will support this step,” Netanyahu said in a brief video statement released by his Likud party.
The prime minister, who has been on trial for five years, has not admitted his guilt, nor have his lawyers. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu should not receive a pardon unless he admits wrongdoing, expresses remorse and immediately withdraws from political life.
Pardons in Israel are generally granted only after a conviction, but Netanyahu’s lawyers argued that the president can intervene when the public interest is at stake, saying intervention could help heal national divisions and promote unity.
President Isaac Herzog’s office described the request as “extraordinary” with “significant implications.” His office said the president “will consider the request responsibly and sincerely” after receiving necessary input.
US President Donald Trump recently wrote to Herzog urging him to consider approving a pardon, describing the case against Netanyahu as “an unjustified political prosecution.”
Herzog’s office said the request will be sent to the Justice Ministry’s pardon department to compile evaluations that will be sent to the president’s legal advisor, who will prepare a recommendation.
(Reuters)