DID Press: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu asked the country’s president to grant him a pardon in his ongoing corruption cases—an action that could bring an end to a lengthy and contentious trial.
Netanyahu, who has long fought the charges within Israel’s judicial system, said his request could help promote national unity at a critical moment.
However, the move immediately triggered strong criticism from opponents, who warned that granting a pardon could weaken democratic institutions and send a dangerous message that no individual is above the law.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu submitted his request through the legal department of the President’s Office, which described the appeal as “extraordinary” and carrying significant implications.
Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to be tried in three separate corruption cases—covering fraud, breach of trust and bribery—while in office. He has not been convicted of any charges and has consistently dismissed the allegations as a “witch hunt” by the media, police and judiciary.
The request comes only weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu, calling the cases “political and unfair” in a letter.