Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a formal pardon request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, according to the President's Office.
The office stated that the request, accompanied by a legal brief from Netanyahu's lawyers, was referred to the legal department at the President's Residence to begin the necessary procedures.
This request comes weeks after a formal letter from US President Donald Trump to Herzog, urging him to grant Netanyahu a pardon and describing the charges against him as a "political trial" and "unjustified."
The President's Office described the request as exceptional and carrying "extremely significant implications," noting that it would be reviewed "responsibly and seriously" after consulting with relevant authorities within the Ministry of Justice.
Pardon procedures in Israel are rare, especially in cases of criminal corruption, and the final decision is subject to a thorough legal review before being presented to the president.
Netanyahu has been on trial since 2020 in several corruption cases, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies all charges and refuses to plead guilty.
He has also reiterated that he will not seek a pardon if it requires an admission of guilt, making the president's acceptance of a pardon contingent on several legal and political considerations.
The request opens the door to a broad political debate within Israel regarding the independence of the judiciary, the impact of international pressure—particularly from the United States—on judicial decisions, and the potential for a realignment of political alliances.
Furthermore, the decision to grant or deny a pardon will redefine the concept of "legal accountability" at the highest levels and could affect public trust in the justice system.
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