Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption case, arguing that the legal proceedings are hindering his ability to govern, according to a Reuters report on Sunday.

The request, submitted to President Isaac Herzog, comes after five years of prosecution on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has consistently denied the allegations, has not been convicted. In a video released by his Likud party, he stated, “My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step.” Neither he nor his legal team admitted any wrongdoing.

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three interconnected cases alleging he granted political and regulatory favors to wealthy business figures in exchange for gifts and favorable media coverage. His lawyers contended in the request that the trial has “deepened societal divisions” and claimed ending it would promote “national unity.” The Prime Minister also complained that regular court appearances while in office were an “impossible demand,” noting he is “required to testify three times a week.”

The request prompted swift backlash from opposition leaders. Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, asserted that no pardon should be granted “without admitting guilt, expressing remorse, and immediately retiring from political life.”

Former military official and opposition figure Yair Golan called on Netanyahu to resign and urged President Herzog to reject the appeal.

Historically, presidential pardons in Israel are granted only after conviction and sentencing, not during active legal proceedings. Herzog’s office described the request as “extraordinary” and said it would be reviewed by the Justice Ministry’s pardons department before a recommendation is made.

Reuters also reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog this month, urging him to consider approving the pardon and describing Netanyahu’s trial as a “political, unjustified prosecution.”

Netanyahu remains one of Israel’s most polarizing figures. Despite the corruption allegations, his far-right coalition returned to power following the 2022 elections. The outcome of the pardon request is now a focal point of Israel’s deepening political and legal divide. (ILKHA)