Jerusalem, 30 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — In an unprecedented move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted an “extraordinary” pardon request to President Isaac Herzog, the president’s office announced on Sunday. The move comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented letter urging Herzog to grant clemency to Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.
The 111-page application — one letter signed by Netanyahu and a second, more detailed letter, signed by his attorney, Amit Hadad — asked Herzog to end the corruption trial of Netanyahu, saying it hampers his ability to lead the country and is in the public interest.
“Granting this request will allow the prime minister to devote all of his time, abilities, and energy to advancing Israel in these critical times,” wrote Hadad, “and to deal with the challenges and opportunities that lie before it. In addition, granting the request will help mend rifts between different sectors of the public, open the door to lowering the intensity of tensions, all for the purpose of strengthening the country’s national resilience.”
In response to Trump’s request in mid-November, Herzog responded that no pardon could be considered unless Netanyahu first formally admits guilt and requests clemency. Netanyahu has previously ruled out requesting clemency if it means admitting guilt. His application did not contain an admission of guilt.
The application also argued that Herzog has the authority to grant clemency, even before a conviction.
“The President’s Office notes that this is an extraordinary pardon request with significant implications. After receiving all the opinions, the President of the State will consider it responsibly and seriously,” Herzog’s office said after receiving Netanyahu’s request.
“In light of the importance of the extraordinary request and its implications, the documents are hereby distributed to the public,” the announcement added.
Netanyahu’s request was also forwarded to the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department at the Ministry of Justice, which will also gather the relevant opinions from within the ministry in preparation for a legal opinion to be presented to Herzog.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, accepting bribes, and breach of trust stemming from three separate police investigations. He denies all wrongdoing.
In the case known as the “Bezeq Affair,” Netanyahu, while serving as communications minister, is accused of granting regulatory benefits to the Bezeq telecom giant. In return, Bezeq’s majority shareholder, Shaul Elovitch, allegedly provided Netanyahu with favorable coverage on the Walla news site, which he owned.
In the second investigation, known as the “Yediot Affair,” Netanyahu allegedly helped *Yediot Aharonot* publisher Arnon Mozes by advancing regulations on newspaper distribution to Mozes’s advantage. In exchange, Mozes is accused of offering Netanyahu favorable coverage.
In a separate investigation known as the “Gifts Affair,” Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting $200,000 in gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan in exchange for assistance with a U.S. visa and changes to tax provisions benefiting Milchan. This case is widely regarded as the most serious one against Netanyahu.
Netanyahu denies all wrongdoing and has insisted in the past 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 own indictment for corruption. Olmert was eventually convicted and served two-thirds of a 27-month prison sentence.
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