Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially submitted a pardon request to President Isaac Herzog on Sunday – a step that plunges the already-tense political climate into a new phase of uncertainty.

From the President’s Office, it was stated that they are aware this is an extraordinary request, one with far-reaching consequences. Herzog will examine the application “responsibly and conscientiously” in accordance with legal guidelines, once all judicial opinions have been received.

The three corruption cases

Netanyahu has been at the center of three major corruption proceedings for years:

• Case 1000: Alleged receipt of luxury gifts such as cigars, champagne, and jewelry by Netanyahu and his wife from wealthy businessman friends.
• Case 2000: Discussions about possible legislative changes favoring the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth in exchange for more positive coverage.
• Case 4000: The most serious case. As prime minister – and simultaneously as communications minister, a role he held between 2014 and 2017 – Netanyahu allegedly made regulatory decisions benefiting the telecom giant Bezeq. In return, the news platform Walla!, owned by the conglomerate, is said to have favorably influenced its coverage of him.

Netanyahu denies all allegations and describes the proceedings as politically motivated.

A pardon request during an ongoing trial

For a sitting prime minister to file a pardon request amid an active criminal trial is a historic first. While Israeli Basic Law allows for pardons even before a guilty verdict, this tool has rarely been used in comparable situations. Many jurists warn that such a step could erode trust in institutions. Others point to the country’s extraordinary security situation and argue that stability currently takes priority.

Just a few weeks ago, Netanyahu had publicly stated he would not submit a pardon request if it required an admission of guilt. Observers interpret his decision to pursue this path now as a clear strategic pivot.

Clear words from Washington

During his visit to Israel, US President Donald Trump publicly appealed to the Israeli leadership. In his address to the Knesset, he advocated for pardoning Netanyahu. Later, he again approached Herzog and submitted an official letter describing the proceedings as politically-motivated and explicitly recommending a pardon.

The President’s Office responded courteously but made it clear that any decision would be based solely on Israeli law – independent of international assessments.

Netanyahu’s address to the nation

Shortly after submitting the pardon request, Netanyahu addressed the public directly. His full speech reads:

“Citizens of Israel,

“Nearly a decade has passed since the investigations against me began. The trial has been ongoing for almost six years and is expected to last many more years.

“While exonerating evidence is repeatedly revealed in court that completely refutes the false accusations against me, and while it becomes increasingly clear that the case against me was built on serious procedural violations, my personal interest has always been – and remains – to continue this process to the end, until a full acquittal on all counts.

“But the security and political reality, the national interest, demands something else. Israel faces enormous challenges but also tremendous opportunities. To avert these threats and seize these opportunities, national unity is essential.

“The ongoing trial is tearing us apart internally, fueling fierce disputes and deepening divisions. I am certain – as are many others – that an immediate end to the trial would help lower tensions and promote the broad reconciliation our country so desperately needs.

“I wrestled with this decision for a long time, but recent developments have tipped the balance. Due to the panel of judges’ decision, I am required to testify three times a week. This is an impossible demand, one not imposed on any other Israeli citizen.

“I have also taken into account the repeated appeals from President Donald Trump to Israel’s president. President Trump has demanded an immediate end to the trial so that we can work together on the decisive common interests between Israel and the United States – in a window of opportunity that may not return.

“Dear citizens of Israel, I have been repeatedly elected in democratic elections and entrusted by you to continue serving as prime minister – above all, to achieve these historic goals.

“For these reasons, my lawyers today submitted a pardon request to the president. I expect that everyone who cares about the country’s well-being will support this step.”

Netanyahu after formally requesting that President Herzog pardon him in his criminal trial:

Citizens of Israel, almost a decade has passed since the investigations against me began. The trial has been ongoing for nearly 6 years, and is expected to continue for many more.

As… pic.twitter.com/KuJ06rLhnl

— Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) November 30, 2025

Reactions to Netanyahu’s step are predictably divided. His supporters see it as a necessary measure for stabilizing the country; his opponents decry it as a threat to the rule of law and warn of a dangerous precedent.

Resignation now – candidacy later?

A scenario gaining increasing discussion: Netanyahu could resign as part of a pardon, but would not be permanently barred from politics. Without additional conditions, he could run again in the next election.

This would be unacceptable to the opposition, while his backers view it as a fair compromise.

The possibility of a conditional pardon is also on the table, one that ends the trial but sets clear political boundaries. Whether such an approach is politically viable remains open.

Herzog faces a decision of historic weight

For Herzog, this pardon request becomes the most difficult decision of his tenure. His ruling – whether rejection, partial remission, or a compromise model – will profoundly shape Israel’s political landscape.

For Netanyahu, the pardon request has immediate implications for his ongoing political leeway. At the same time, the president’s decision will reveal how existing procedures and powers in Israel’s legal system are applied in a case involving a sitting head of government.

Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates