In request to 111 pages, Which he acknowledges “rare”, prime minister of israel, Benjamin Netanyahu Presented this Sunday to President Isaac Herzog Requesting an official pardon in corruption cases. The request was submitted by the lawyer defending Netanyahu in his criminal proceedings. Amit Haddadand included A “Personal message” To Herzog.
Netanyahu stated, in a video clip published by his agencies, that he was convinced of this He added, “The immediate conclusion of the trial will go a long way toward calming tensions and promoting the comprehensive reconciliation that our country so desperately needs.”
“The Office of the President recognizes that this is an extraordinary request with important implications.”Herzog’s office responded, adding that He added: “After receiving all relevant opinions, the president will consider the request responsibly and sincerely.”
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The request was submitted by the lawyer defending Netanyahu in his criminal proceedings. Amit Haddadand included a “personal letter” to Herzog. Netanyahu stated, in a video clip published by his agencies, that he was convinced of this He added, “The immediate conclusion of the trial will go a long way toward calming tensions and promoting the comprehensive reconciliation that our country so desperately needs.”
Last October, Netanyahu confirmed his candidacy for the 2026 parliamentary elections, despite the judicial process against him, in which his wife is also accused. The 76-year-old was already prime minister between 1996 and 1999, and again between 2009 and 2021. In June 2021, he was defeated by a coalition of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, While in 2022, Netanyahu’s Likud Party won 32 seats, and 64 out of 120 members of Parliament recommended him as the most suitable candidate to form the government. In December 2022, Netanyahu assumed the position of Prime Minister.
Also in October, US President Donald Trump asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, describing him as “dangerous.” “One of the most prominent leaders” in wartime.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in ongoing court proceedings, but faces serious charges Bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases.
Details of ongoing trials
In the first case, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused Accept luxury items valued at more than $260,000Jewelry and other luxury goods from billionaire philanthropistsIn exchange for political favors. The alleged donors include Israeli-born Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian executive James Packer.
The other two cases accuse Netanyahu of negotiating “Favorable coverage” With two Israeli media outlets, including alleged attempts to reach an agreement Arnon Mozes, editor-in-chief of the popular Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
In addition, another case is investigating whether Netanyahu received positive coverage on the popular news site OtherwiseOwned by his close friend Shaul Elovitch, In exchange for paving the way for the communications merger that Elovitch was interested in.
The court proceedings against Netanyahu sparked widespread protests when he tried to pass legislation that weakened the courts in trials of politicians. Netanyahu’s critics insist that the legal cases and hearings that have taken place so far are final “They will work to bring justice to a deeply corrupt politician who will do anything to stay in power.” They also accuse the Prime Minister of ““Intentionally prolonging the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.” This dangerous war situation allows him to evade his problems with justice.
Johanan Plessnerpresident of the Israel Democracy Institute, announced at the time to Agence France-Presse Which the long trial against Netanyahu has now reached “Important teacher” Because although other Israeli leaders have been accused and convicted, Netanyahu He was the first to go to justice while in power, and Plessner confirmed that justice was being done to him “It is a sign of the strength of democracy.”.
AFP/HP