Netanyahu Asks for Presidential Pardon, Says Trial Hurts Israel’s Security and U.S. Cooperation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Israel’s president for a pardon, saying that his long-running corruption trial is now harming Israel’s security, political stability, and important cooperation with the United States. Netanyahu announced the move in a special address to the nation, calling it one of the hardest decisions of his career.

Netanyahu said the investigations against him began almost ten years ago, and the trial has continued for six years, with no clear end in sight. He repeated his claim that new evidence shown in court proves he is innocent and that the case was built with “serious violations.” He said he personally wanted to continue fighting in court until he was fully cleared, but he now believes that Israel’s situation is too serious for the trial to continue.

One major reason for the request is a recent court order that requires Netanyahu to testify three times every week. He called this “an impossible demand” for any prime minister, saying it prevents him from handling urgent security issues, including tensions with Iran, Gaza, and other regional threats. Netanyahu said the trial has also divided Israelis, making it harder for the country to stay united during a dangerous time.

A surprising part of Netanyahu’s speech was his statement that U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly asked Israel’s president to end the trial. According to Netanyahu, Trump believes that both countries need to work closely together right now and that the legal case is blocking important joint decisions. Netanyahu said Trump warned that the two nations are in a “time window that may not return,” meaning that certain opportunities may be lost if the trial continues.

Netanyahu’s announcement has caused strong reactions across Israel. His supporters say the trial has gone on for too long and is stopping the government from functioning properly. His critics argue that giving a pardon to a prime minister who is still on trial would damage trust in Israel’s legal system and create a dangerous precedent. Legal experts note that no sitting prime minister in Israel’s history has ever asked for a pardon during an active trial, making this a completely new situation.

Now the decision is in the hands of President Isaac Herzog, who must choose whether to approve the request or reject it. If Herzog approves it, the trial will stop immediately and Netanyahu will continue as prime minister with no legal obligations. If the president denies it, Netanyahu will still need to testify three times a week, which could increase political tensions and make it harder for him to deal with national security issues.

In closing, Netanyahu said that he has been elected again and again by the people, and that his decision to ask for a pardon is meant to protect Israel’s national interest, not to escape responsibility. The coming days will be crucial for Israel, as the president’s decision could affect the country’s politics, its legal system, and its relationship with the United States for years to come.