Netanyahu: corruption trial ‘impossible demand’, seeks pardon amid protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the country’s president on Sunday for a pardon in his years-long corruption trial, arguing that criminal proceedings were hindering his ability to govern and that a pardon would be good for Israel.

Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, has long denied the bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges. His 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.

“My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step,” Netanyahu said in a brief video statement released by his political party, Likud.

President Isaac Herzog’s office announced earlier on Sunday that the request had been received, releasing the letter from the lawyers.

Herzog’s office said the request would be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice, as is standard practice, to collect opinions, which would be submitted to the president’s legal adviser, who will formulate a recommendation for the president.

“The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications,” according to the statement. “After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.”

The charges against the prime minister span three cases and are being heard in a single trial. Netanyahu, who denies all the charges, says they’re part of an orchestrated witch hunt by those who cannot beat him at the ballot box – accusations that are rejected by prosecutors.