Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday formally requested a pardon from the Israeli President in his long-running corruption case, according to Reuters.
Netanyahu claimed that the ongoing proceedings were undermining his ability to govern and that pardon would be in favor of the national interest.
The PM has consistently denied the bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges. His lawyers sent a letter to the president’s office, emphasizing that he is still confident the legal process will eventually lead to his acquittal.
“My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step,” Netanyahu said in a brief video statement.
Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s office affirmed earlier Sunday that it had received the pardon request and released the accompanying letter from Netanyahu’s lawyers.
The presidential office also noted that it will send the request to the Ministry of Justice to collect opinions. Then, these opinions will be reviewed by the president’s legal adviser, who will send a recommendation for Herzog.
“I am required to testify three times a week … That is an impossible demand that is not made of any other citizen,” Netanyahu said in the video statement.
In the letter, Netanyahu’s legal team also claimed that the criminal proceedings had exacerbated societal divisions and that putting an end to the trial was crucial for national reconciliation.
In response, Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that Netanyahu should not obtain a pardon without admitting guilt, showing remorse, as well as stepping down from political life.
Related Topics:
Damascus Condemns Netanyahu’s Visit to Syria’s Israeli-Occupied South
US VP Vance, Netanyahu Discuss Next Steps in Gaza
Netanyahu Vows Israel Will Choose Gaza Peacekeepers
