'National Interest': Netanyahu's Lawyers Write to Israel President for Pardon
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked Israel president Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his five-year-old corruption trial, weeks after US president Donald Trump marked a historical first by also writing to Herzog for a pardon for the Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu's step is a first in Israel's political and legal history as well, as pardons are usually granted after legal proceedings are complete.
Reuters reported that Netanyahu's lawyers said in a letter to the president's office that the prime minister still believes the legal proceedings would result in a complete acquittal and that he rejects the bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges. Prosecutors have accused Netanyahu and his wife Sara of accepting gifts worth more than $260,000 in exchange for political favours. In two other cases, Netanyahu is alleged to have sought favourable media coverage.
In the letter, Netanyahu's lawyers said that criminal proceedings against him had "deepened societal divisions" and that ending the trial was necessary for national reconciliation. They also wrote that frequent court hearings had got burdensome for the prime minister and created hurdles in governance.
Netanyahu said in a video statement that he expects "that anyone who wishes for the good of the country [will] support this step."
He added that he would have preferred to see the process to the end but national interest "demanded otherwise".
Prosecutors have accused Netanyahu and his wife Sara of accepting gifts worth more than $260,000 in exchange for political favours. In two other cases, Netanyahu is alleged to have sought favourable media coverage. He rejects all the allegations.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu should not be pardoned without admitting guilt and retiring from his position and politics.
In November, US president Trump – who is himself a court-convicted felon in the US – wrote to Herzog saying his letter came at a “historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years”.
Netanyahu has overseen Israel's genocide in Gaza, in which over 70,000 – most civilians and including children – have been killed.
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