Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to President Isaac Herzog for a pardon amidst his ongoing legal battle over corruption and fraud allegations. This request follows a recent appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also advocated for his clemency.
In his plea, Netanyahu highlighted his concerns regarding societal divisions, clarifying that while he does not concede to any wrongdoing, a pardon could help heal national discord and tone down the heated debate surrounding his case.
On Sunday, Herzog’s office confirmed the receipt of Netanyahu’s pardon application, describing it as “extraordinary” due to its potential wide-reaching impact. The statement acknowledged the weight of the implications involved.
The request is being processed following established protocols, which include a review by the Pardons Department within the Ministry of Justice. This department will compile insights from relevant authorities as part of their assessment, according to the president’s office.
In a file photo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Knesset, Israel’s legislative body, in Jerusalem on November 10, 2025. (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo)
After gathering these opinions, they will be forwarded to the legal advisor at the President’s Office, who will draft an additional recommendation for Herzog’s consideration.
“After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request,” Herzog’s office said in the statement.
President Isaac Herzog is welcomed with a full military guard of honor upon his arrival, marking the first state visit by an Israeli head of state, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, Oct. 10, 2025. (Reuters/Moses Mwape)
Netanyahu is currently standing trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. The trial, which began in 2020, marked the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister testified as a criminal defendant.
Earlier this month, Trump urged Herzog to consider fully pardoning Netanyahu in a letter. Trump wrote that Netanyahu has been a “formidable and decisive” leader for Israel in a time of war and has led Israel “into a time of peace.”
President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House for a meeting on April 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Chen Mengtong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
Trump wrote that while he “absolutely” respects the independence of the Israeli judicial system, he believes the case against Netanyahu is a “political, unjustified prosecution.”
Trump had previously urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during a speech in the Israeli Knesset in October.
