The Israeli President's Office announced today it received a 111-page pardon request, drafted by Amit Hadad, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lawyer. The request was accompanied by a letter from the prime minister addressed to President Isaac Herzog.

According to Hadad, approving the request would allow Prime Minister Netanyahu to dedicate his full time, capacity, and energy to advancing the country during this important period. It would also enable him to address immediate opportunities and challenges without distraction.

Hadad emphasized that a pardon decision would help heal divisions among various segments of Israeli society, opening the door to reducing tensions. He added that this action is "all for the purpose of strengthening national resilience."

The Israeli President's Office stated that the Ministry of Justice will collect opinions from relevant agencies. These opinions will then be sent as recommendations to the president's legal advisor.

Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks at the graduation ceremony for officers of Bahad 1 in southern Israel on 30/10. Photo: Flash90

Prime Minister Netanyahu explained that the corruption investigations against him have lasted almost a decade, with the trial ongoing for six years and expected to continue. He stated, "For personal interest, I need to pursue the legal process until all accusations are cleared. However, the security and diplomatic realities, which are in the national interest, demand the opposite."

The Israeli prime minister indicated that his decision to submit the pardon request was prompted by judges recently requiring him to appear in court three times each week. He affirmed that an immediate end to the trial would help alleviate tensions and promote widespread reconciliation, which Israel needs at this time.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has been indicted since 2019 on charges of bribery, corruption, and breach of trust. The trial began in 2020, examining three cases simultaneously.

One case involves allegations that he and his wife, Sara, received over 260,000 USD in luxury gifts, such as jewelry, wine, and cigars, from billionaires in exchange for "political favors". In the two other cases, Netanyahu is accused of exerting influence to receive positive coverage from two Israeli media outlets.

He denies all wrongdoing, asserting he is a victim of a political conspiracy. The Israeli prime minister earlier this month declared he would not seek a pardon, as this would be tantamount to admitting guilt.

The Israeli president has the authority to pardon convicted individuals in unusual circumstances but rarely exercises this power before legal proceedings conclude. President Donald Trump had repeatedly urged his counterpart Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, a close ally of the US leader.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters, Times of Israel)