Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted a request for a formal pardon to the country's president, just weeks after US President Donald Trump urged him to be pardoned. Netanyahu's lawyers made the move amid ongoing corruption trial, citing "security and political realities" that necessitate a pardon.
Netanyahu is facing charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases, with prosecutors alleging he exchanged regulatory favors for positive press coverage from media owners. The charges carry severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison.
Despite denying the allegations, Netanyahu has been under pressure due to his prolonged trial. A verdict is not expected until at least 2026, while he will also have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Trump's recent backing for a pardon comes after a letter from the US president urging President Herzog of Israel to grant Netanyahu a full pardon. Defense Minister Katz and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir backed the proposed pardon, citing "complex security reality" in Israel.
However, not everyone supports the request, with Opposition leader Yair Lapid calling for an admission of guilt and expression of remorse before considering a pardon. Benny Gantz also expressed skepticism about the pardon request, saying it is "fake."
Netanyahu's case is complicated by an International Criminal Court warrant issued last year over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza. Both Israel and the US do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction but the warrant puts Netanyahu at risk of arrest if he steps foot in a country that recognizes the court.
Netanyahu's request comes as his security situation has been heightened, with Israeli forces launching raids against suspected militant cells. The trial has fueled divisions within Israeli society, leading to calls for greater accountability from politicians like Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is facing charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases, with prosecutors alleging he exchanged regulatory favors for positive press coverage from media owners. The charges carry severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison.
Despite denying the allegations, Netanyahu has been under pressure due to his prolonged trial. A verdict is not expected until at least 2026, while he will also have the option to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Trump's recent backing for a pardon comes after a letter from the US president urging President Herzog of Israel to grant Netanyahu a full pardon. Defense Minister Katz and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir backed the proposed pardon, citing "complex security reality" in Israel.
However, not everyone supports the request, with Opposition leader Yair Lapid calling for an admission of guilt and expression of remorse before considering a pardon. Benny Gantz also expressed skepticism about the pardon request, saying it is "fake."
Netanyahu's case is complicated by an International Criminal Court warrant issued last year over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza. Both Israel and the US do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction but the warrant puts Netanyahu at risk of arrest if he steps foot in a country that recognizes the court.
Netanyahu's request comes as his security situation has been heightened, with Israeli forces launching raids against suspected militant cells. The trial has fueled divisions within Israeli society, leading to calls for greater accountability from politicians like Netanyahu.
Netanyahu's in a tight spot and now Trump is just backing him up without even being there he knows the system but still wants to give a pardon lol what's the deal? some ppl r saying he should take the L and admit to his wrongdoings like Lapid, Benny Gantz agrees it's fake news to get off scot-free 
meanwhile Netanyahu's got an ICC warrant hanging over him which is like a big X on his back 
. I feel for Israel tho, they need stability but not at the expense of justice. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next 
and I'm still on a high from the crystal-clear waters and sunshine 
. Have you ever tried paddleboarding? It's such a great workout and you get to enjoy the scenery too 
. And, oh man, have you seen those new electric scooters everywhere? They're so cool! I was thinking of getting one for my daily commute, what do you think? Should we ditch our cars and go eco-friendly? 
. And what about all the charges against him? Fraud, breach of trust... like how is that going to get pardoned? 
And those security realities they're talking about? That's just an excuse 
. This whole thing reeks of a fix 
...
i mean benji needs to be held accountable for whatever happened in gaza. my heart goes out to the victims and their families
! I mean, I get it that Netanyahu's under a lot of pressure and all, but pardon him after he's already denied the allegations? That doesn't sound right at all... I think an admission of guilt before considering a pardon would be a more fair way to go, you know? 
.
. What if it doesn't work out? He'll just sit in prison like O.J. Simpson did? I know he's denied all the allegations, but the law is what it is... still, it feels so unfair 
. Have you guys been following this trial at all? It's getting more and more complicated by the day 
. It's been weeks since he was urged to be pardoned and now his lawyers are jumping into action 
️. Can't help but think that if the US president himself is on his side, then something fishy must be going on 
...
yet. What's the real motive behind Trump's sudden interest in Netanyahu? Is it just a case of old buddies helping out or is there more to it? 
A formal pardon would be a pretty big favor from the US government considering Netanyahu's history with shady dealings. 
. However, Netanyahu's own history of controversy and his current security situation make it difficult to see how this will ultimately play out 
. It's also worth noting that the opposition is pushing for greater accountability from politicians like Netanyahu, which could lead to a more nuanced discussion about the role of pardons in Israeli society 
.
. like, come on, dude, you're facing serious corruption charges and all you can think about is getting a slap on the wrist? and now trump is backing it up with some extra weight... meanwhile, opposition leader lapid is literally saying "no way" because it's not fair to those who actually did nothing wrong 
. And what about this ICC warrant? Just another way for Netanyahu to avoid taking responsibility for his actions 
. This whole situation reeks of politics and manipulation 
. Can't believe they're even suggesting a pardon when the evidence is still being dug up...
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. but at the same time, i guess he really does need one if he wants to avoid those 10 years in prison 
.
), but this is getting serious. One thing for sure: the man's got some 'splainin' to do 