Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses lawmakers within the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem, Monday, Nov. 10 2025.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
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Ohad Zwigenberg/AP
TEL AVIV (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested Israel’s president to grant him a pardon throughout his long-running corruption trial that is bitterly divided the nation.
In a press release Sunday the prime minister’s workplace mentioned that Netanyahu had submitted a request for a pardon to the authorized division of the Workplace of the President. The president’s workplace referred to as it an “extraordinary request,” carrying with it “vital implications.”
Netanyahu is the one sitting prime minister in Israeli historical past to face trial, after being charged with fraud, breach of belief and accepting bribes in three separate circumstances accusing him of exchanging favors with rich political supporters. He has not but been convicted of something.
The request comes weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu.
In a videotaped assertion, Netanyahu mentioned the trial has divided the nation and {that a} pardon would assist restore nationwide unity. He additionally mentioned the requirement that he seem in court docket 3 times per week is a distraction that makes it troublesome for him to guide the nation.
Netanyahu’s request consisted of two paperwork — an in depth letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by Netanyahu. They will be despatched to the justice ministry for opinions and can then be transferred to the Authorized Advisor within the Workplace of the President, which can formulate extra opinions for the president.
