Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought a presidential pardon, citing the need for national unity amid significant regional changes. Netanyahu’s move is part of his ongoing battle against the country’s legal system, which is pursuing charges against him.

The request has sparked immediate backlash from political opponents, who argue that granting a pardon would undermine Israel’s democratic institutions. They contend it would also suggest that Netanyahu is above the law.

On Sunday, Netanyahu’s office announced that he had formally submitted the pardon request to the President’s legal department. The President’s office described the request as “extraordinary” and noted its “significant implications.”

Netanyahu, who is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face trial, is charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes across three separate cases. These cases allege he traded favors with affluent political allies. As of now, he has not been convicted.

Firmly denying the accusations, Netanyahu has labeled the legal proceedings as a politically motivated “witch hunt,” allegedly orchestrated by the media, police, and judiciary.

In a video message, Netanyahu emphasized that his trial has caused national division and suggested that a pardon could help mend these rifts. He further argued that the obligation to appear in court thrice weekly is a significant distraction that hinders his ability to govern effectively.

“The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, stirs up this division, and deepens rifts,” he said.

“I am sure, like many others in the nation, that an immediate conclusion of the trial would greatly help to lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so desperately needs.”

Netanyahu has taken the stand multiple times over the past year, but the case has been repeatedly delayed as he has dealt with Israel’s wars and unrest stemming from the Hamas-led militant attacks of October 2023.

Netanyahu’s pardon request consisted of two documents — a detailed letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by Netanyahu. They’ll be sent to the justice ministry for opinions and will then be transferred to the Legal Adviser in the Office of the President, which will formulate additional opinions for the president.

Legal experts say the pardon request is not able to stop the trial.

“It’s impossible,” said Emi Palmor, former director general of the justice ministry.

“You cannot claim that you’re innocent while the trial is going on and come to the president and ask him to intervene,” she said.

The only way to stop the trial is to ask the attorney general to withhold the proceedings, she said.

Netanyahu’s request sparked an immediate response from the opposition, which urged the president not to give in to his request.

“You cannot grant him a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse and an immediate retirement from political life,” said opposition leader Yair Lapid.