Claiming that “it harms the interests of the state”

The head of the State Court confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent, through his lawyer, a request to President Isaac Herzog to obtain a pardon in the trial in which he faces three cases of corruption, fraud, breach of trust and bribery.

“The Office of the President is aware of this It is an extraordinary request with important implications. The Israeli presidency said in a statement: “After receiving all relevant opinions, the president will consider the request sincerely and responsibly.”

In early November, the US President said: Donald TrumpAnd he pleaded Herzog In the pardon letter NetanyahuIn defense of his role in running the country.

During his visit in October, the US President asked the Israeli parliament for a pardon: “Why don’t you grant him a pardon?” Then he told the president “Who cares about some cigars and champagne?”

The letter from Netanyahu’s lawyer team, which was released by the presidency, begins with a reference to Trump’s letter and accordingly requests a pardon and the end of criminal proceedings against the prime minister.

The Head of State explained that the request has been transferred to the Pardon Department of the Ministry of Justice, which will collect the opinions of the concerned parties in this portfolio, in the hands of the Head of State. Yariv LevinFrom Likud (Netanyahu’s party).

These opinions will be sent to Herzog’s legal advisor so he can formulate his opinion.

“Criminal proceedings in the Prime Minister’s case Harming the interests of the State of Israel“It exacerbates disputes between different sectors of the population and diverts public attention from political and security issues on the national agenda,” the letter from Netanyahu’s team said.

For the “good” of Israel

The president’s lawyers rely on his “management” of the conflicts that Israel has faced in the past two years, such as the attack on Gaza after the October 7 attacks, the attack on Lebanon, the attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, the war in Iran, or the growing tensions with Syria.

“Obviously the Prime Minister Mustfrom now on, Devote all your strengthEnergy, time and intelligence To lead the State of Israel“, they point out.

Netanyahu’s letter stated on numerous occasions that his “personal interest” was to continue the trial while ensuring his acquittal. On the other hand, he confirms this The “best state” is Israelunderstood as the public interest, It depends on the conclusion of the trial.

“The Prime Minister is prepared to ask His Excellency for clemency, although in doing so he waives his right to pursue the legal proceedings in his case until the end, which, as has been said, is in the public interest. The best of people The state has always been and will always be before the Prime Minister’s eyes, and this is the case now.”

Three cases are open

Netanyahu is being tried in what is known as… “Case No. 1000”Accused of receiving gifts from a Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan In exchange for political favors; And for him “Status 2000”“, which supposedly benefited the media editor-in-chief Yedioth Ahronoth, Arnon “Noni” MozesIn a fraud and breach of trust scandal to harm the competing newspaper Israel Hayom.

In addition, he is being tried on charges of involvement – in his second phase as Minister of Communications (2015-2017) – in a case Bribery crime To businessman Shaul Elovitch, who controlled Bezeq Communications and the Walla News website, for positive media coverage.

The Israeli prime minister, who claims the trials against him are a “witch hunt” and a “deep state” conspiracy, is the first head of government in Israel’s history to be tried while in office.