By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has indicated that he will not consider any request to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu until every possibility of reaching a legal agreement in the prime minister’s corruption case has first been explored.
The statement suggests that any presidential intervention remains distant, as Netanyahu’s long-running court battle continues to divide the country’s political landscape.
Netanyahu, who has faced bribery, fraud, and breach-of-trust charges for several years, has consistently denied all allegations. His trial has become one of the most controversial legal cases in Israeli history, not only because of the charges themselves but because he remains the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial while still in office. The case has fueled years of political unrest and contributed to repeated national elections that left Israel deeply polarized.
Herzog’s office released a statement emphasizing that a negotiated resolution between prosecutors and Netanyahu’s legal team would be preferable before any discussion of clemency could begin. According to the president, efforts to find common ground outside the courtroom should be exhausted before he weighs the extraordinary step of a pardon. That position appears to rule out any immediate action despite mounting public and international attention surrounding the case.
Reports had emerged suggesting Herzog might play a more active role in encouraging mediation between both sides. However, officials close to the president declined to confirm whether formal discussions on a plea arrangement are currently underway. Netanyahu’s office has also remained silent on the latest developments, offering no public response to the president’s remarks.
The issue has drawn international interest as well. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Herzog on several occasions to pardon Netanyahu, arguing that the Israeli leader should not be distracted by legal proceedings during a period of heightened regional tensions. Trump renewed those calls during the recent conflict involving Iran, when Netanyahu’s court appearances were temporarily postponed.
Under Israeli law, the president does have the authority to grant pardons, but such action is traditionally taken only after a conviction or sentencing. Granting clemency while a trial is still in progress would be unprecedented, making Herzog’s cautious approach especially significant.
Netanyahu is expected to return to court later this week as proceedings resume. With national elections approaching later this year, the outcome of the case could have major consequences not only for Netanyahu’s political future but also for Israel’s already fragile political climate.
Source Reuters