Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Israeli President Isaac Herzog poured cold water on a speedy pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.
“I have made clear numerous times that it has to go through a certain procedure,” Herzog said in a discussion with Fareed Zakaria. “Right now, the request has to go through the procedure of collecting various opinions by the relevant agencies in the Ministry of Justice. I cannot violate that, because of course I have to operate according to the rules.”
In an unprecedented letter to Herzog sent in November, Netanyahu did not admit wrongdoing or apologize for any alleged offenses but instead emphasized his “broad public and ethical responsibility” for the political tensions surrounding his ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu’s request came on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeal for clemency to the Israeli president.
“I respect President Trump tremendously,” Herzog told Fareed Zakaria, “and of course we have our own legal system and I will operate within its [bounds].”
Netanyahu’s case “should have been resolved amicably,” Herzog said, and he will decide “according to the rules, the law, and my conscience.”
Netanyahu argued that despite his personal desire to continue the trial and prove his innocence, the public interest necessitates a different course. “Closing down the trial will lower the flames of political disagreement,” Netanyahu wrote, adding that Israel’s current security challenges and diplomatic opportunities demand unity.
Herzog responded to Trump that no pardon could be considered unless Netanyahu first formally admits guilt and requests clemency. Netanyahu has ruled out requesting clemency if it requires admitting guilt, and his latest request contained no such admission.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, accepting bribes, and breach of trust stemming from three separate police investigations. He denies all wrongdoing.
Netanyahu faces charges in three cases: the Bezeq Affair, where he allegedly granted regulatory benefits to Bezeq in exchange for favorable coverage on the Walla news site; the Yediot Affair, in which he aided publisher Arnon Mozes for positive media coverage; and the Gifts Affair, involving $200,000 in gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan for visa and tax-related assistance. The Gifts Affair is widely regarded as the most serious of the three.
Netanyahu, who was indicted in 2019, has insisted that the trial would not interfere with his public responsibilities.
No serving Israeli prime minister has ever been indicted on criminal charges. Ehud Olmert stepped down in 2008 ahead of his indictment and later served part of a 27-month prison sentence.
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