Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has formally requested President Isaac Herzog to pardon him and put an end to the corruption charges he has been facing for years.
The appeal was made public on Sunday, November 30, 2025, through a video message in which Netanyahu said the ongoing court process was creating deep divisions at a time when Israel is dealing with major national challenges that require unity.
“I believe — as do many others in our nation — that stopping this trial immediately would significantly ease tensions and support broader reconciliation, something our country urgently needs,” Netanyahu said.
The President’s office responded by stating that Herzog would first consult legal and judicial authorities before considering what it described as an “extraordinary request with far-reaching consequences.”
Netanyahu’s trial began in 2020, making him the first sitting Israeli prime minister to appear in court on corruption charges. He is accused of accepting expensive gifts — including large sums of money, premium wines, and luxury items — from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.
Prosecutors also allege that he used his influence to secure multimillion-dollar advantages for major telecommunications companies, which in turn provided him with favorable media coverage.
Netanyahu has repeatedly dismissed the accusations, insisting they are politically motivated.
Pressure for his pardon has also come from outside Israel. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently urged Israel’s head of state to forgive Netanyahu.
The embattled leader is facing scrutiny not only domestically. Several countries have submitted complaints against him to the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of war crimes linked to Israeli military operations in Gaza since 2023, where clashes with Hamas resulted in more than 70,000 deaths.