Israel's embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted a formal request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog in three ongoing corruption cases, including allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The move comes as the US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon.
Netanyahu is facing separate charges in 2019, with nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) allegedly gifted by businessmen, among other claims. He denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty. However, his trial is ongoing, which some see as an attempt to divide the country.
In a recorded statement, Netanyahu expressed his conviction that a pardon would help restore national unity, saying it would bring an end to divisions within the nation and reduce tensions. The Prime Minister's office claims that he can no longer perform his duties effectively due to the court's scheduling requirements.
However, experts say that Netanyahu's request will not stop the trial. Emi Palmor, a former director general of the justice ministry, stated that "you cannot claim you're innocent while the trial is on and come to the president asking him to intervene." To halt the trial, Netanyahu would need the attorney general to withhold proceedings.
Netanyahu's pardon request has sparked an immediate response from opposition leaders, who urge Herzog not to grant the request without a full admission of guilt. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, stated that "you cannot grant him a pardon without an expression of remorse and an immediate retirement from politics."
The Israeli presidency does have some authority to issue pardons under extraordinary circumstances. Nevertheless, Netanyahu's trial is far from over.
Netanyahu is facing separate charges in 2019, with nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) allegedly gifted by businessmen, among other claims. He denies all allegations and has pleaded not guilty. However, his trial is ongoing, which some see as an attempt to divide the country.
In a recorded statement, Netanyahu expressed his conviction that a pardon would help restore national unity, saying it would bring an end to divisions within the nation and reduce tensions. The Prime Minister's office claims that he can no longer perform his duties effectively due to the court's scheduling requirements.
However, experts say that Netanyahu's request will not stop the trial. Emi Palmor, a former director general of the justice ministry, stated that "you cannot claim you're innocent while the trial is on and come to the president asking him to intervene." To halt the trial, Netanyahu would need the attorney general to withhold proceedings.
Netanyahu's pardon request has sparked an immediate response from opposition leaders, who urge Herzog not to grant the request without a full admission of guilt. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, stated that "you cannot grant him a pardon without an expression of remorse and an immediate retirement from politics."
The Israeli presidency does have some authority to issue pardons under extraordinary circumstances. Nevertheless, Netanyahu's trial is far from over.
! Like, how can Netanyahu think that a pardon will just magically fix everything? 
His corruption cases are getting more and more shady by the day, and now he wants to get off scot-free? 
No way, Jose! The US president's interference in Israel's affairs is getting out of hand 
. Netanyahu needs to own up to his mistakes and take responsibility for them before anyone even thinks about a pardon. I mean, can you imagine if Trump was in Netanyahu's shoes? 
No pardons for him either! The opposition is right on point 
, a full admission of guilt and retirement from politics are the only ways to go. Let's see how long it takes before this whole thing blows up in his face 
#JusticeForIsrael #CorruptionMatters #NetanyahuNeedsToStepDown
I'm reading this news about Netanyahu asking for a pardon in these corruption cases and it's got me wondering... doesn't he just wanna avoid the whole trial thing? Like, yeah he's saying it'll bring unity to the country but is that really true? 
i mean idk if he thinks the us president is gonna just magically make this happen for him but seriously what a wild move 
his trial is still ongoing and now everyone's like wait hows this gonna affect the country 
and who knows maybe he actually thinks a pardon would bring national unity lol just imagine netanyahu in a nice suit with a big ol' smile on his face 
and it'll all just magically go away? lol, good luck with that, buddy! 
anyway, its pretty funny how he's tryin to spin this whole thing as bein' about unity, but really its like he's tryin to put a Band-Aid on a bullet wound 
. newsflash netanyahu: you cant just pretend youre innocent while youre gettin all the power and then expect everyone else to swallow it whole 
.
and supposedly he can't perform his duties effectively 
. But honestly I think that's just an excuse 
. I mean, the guy has been accused of some pretty serious stuff, like bribery and fraud, and he's still trying to claim he's innocent? 
. And I don't think it's right that his opposition leaders are saying he can't get a pardon unless he confesses and retires from politics 
.
. Like, Netanyahu's trial isn't just about him – it's about the bigger picture and whether or not he should be held accountable for his actions 
.
And this whole pardon thing just feels like another act in the never-ending drama surrounding him.
... It seems like Benjamin Netanyahu is really hoping that a pardon will bring an end to all the drama and divisions in his country 
... But honestly, it feels like he's just trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions 
... It feels like he's taking a side, which could make things even more complicated for Israel 
. I wish Netanyahu would be honest with himself and others about what really went down – it might be harder to move forward if he just tries to sweep everything under the rug 
... It's such an important moment for Israel, and I want him to make a choice that prioritizes what's best for his country 
.
this is getting crazy 
and opposition leaders are already speaking out 
gotta keep politics honest 
. As the saying goes, "The truth will set you free, but not before it finds you out" 
. The people of Israel deserve justice, and it seems like Netanyahu is trying to use his position to sway public opinion