Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a presidential pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog over the weekend.
“Citizens of Israel, nearly a decade has passed since the investigations against me began. The trial has been ongoing for close to six years, and it is expected to continue for many more years,” he said in his address, as per CBN News.
The Israeli prime minister has been charged with fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, the report explains.
“As the exonerating evidence and testimonies that completely dismantle the false claims against me are revealed in court, and as it becomes clear that the evidentiary basis against me was formed through the commission of serious offenses, my personal interest has been and remains to continue the process to its conclusion, until full acquittal on all charges,” Netanyahu added. “However, the security and diplomatic reality, the national interest, demand otherwise.”
“The State of Israel faces immense challenges alongside tremendous opportunities. To fend off the threats and to realize the opportunities, national unity is required,” Netanyahu stated. “The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, stirs up this division, and deepens rifts. 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.”
Herzog said in response that the idea of extending a pardon to Netanyahu “sparks debate.”
“But I have already clarified and said that it will be handled in the most proper and precise manner. I will consider only the good of the state and Israeli society, with only the State of Israel and its well-being before my eyes,” Herzog said, as reported by Newsmax. “One thing is clear to me—violent discourse does not influence me. On the contrary, respectful discourse certainly encourages discussion and dialogue.”
President Trump has also urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.
Trump wrote that Netanyahu has “stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted.” He added that he believes the “case” against Netanyahu, “who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution.”
