403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Netanyahu requests presidential pardon for corruption charges
(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally submitted a request on Sunday seeking a presidential pardon for the corruption charges he currently faces.
President Isaac Herzog’s office stated that the request will first be sent to the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department for review. Opinions from the department will then be examined by the president’s legal advisors before Herzog makes a final decision. “The President's Office recognizes that this is an exceptional request with significant implications, and the President will consider it after receiving all opinions,” the statement said.
The pardon request included a detailed letter signed by Netanyahu’s lawyer as well as a personal letter from Netanyahu himself. The statement noted that the letters may be publicly published due to “the importance of this exceptional request and its repercussions.”
In his letter, Netanyahu argued, “Despite my personal interest in conducting the trial and proving my innocence until full acquittal, I believe the public interest dictates otherwise.” He also stated that “ending the trial will help lower the intensity of the flames in the debate that has formed around it.”
Netanyahu, whose trial began on May 24, 2020, became the first sitting Israeli leader in history to appear in court as a criminal defendant. He faces three separate corruption cases, all of which he denies.
Israeli law grants the president the authority to pardon or commute sentences based on the input of relevant authorities, including the ministers of justice or defense. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged President Herzog to grant clemency to Netanyahu.
In addition to domestic corruption charges, Netanyahu faces allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over atrocities in Gaza, where reports indicate that more than 70,000 people—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023.
President Isaac Herzog’s office stated that the request will first be sent to the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department for review. Opinions from the department will then be examined by the president’s legal advisors before Herzog makes a final decision. “The President's Office recognizes that this is an exceptional request with significant implications, and the President will consider it after receiving all opinions,” the statement said.
The pardon request included a detailed letter signed by Netanyahu’s lawyer as well as a personal letter from Netanyahu himself. The statement noted that the letters may be publicly published due to “the importance of this exceptional request and its repercussions.”
In his letter, Netanyahu argued, “Despite my personal interest in conducting the trial and proving my innocence until full acquittal, I believe the public interest dictates otherwise.” He also stated that “ending the trial will help lower the intensity of the flames in the debate that has formed around it.”
Netanyahu, whose trial began on May 24, 2020, became the first sitting Israeli leader in history to appear in court as a criminal defendant. He faces three separate corruption cases, all of which he denies.
Israeli law grants the president the authority to pardon or commute sentences based on the input of relevant authorities, including the ministers of justice or defense. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged President Herzog to grant clemency to Netanyahu.
In addition to domestic corruption charges, Netanyahu faces allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over atrocities in Gaza, where reports indicate that more than 70,000 people—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Most popular stories
Market Research
More Story
Comments
No comment