Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Monday that he would focus strictly on Israel’s “best interests” as he reviews Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon on corruption charges.
“It will be handled in the most correct and precise manner. I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society,” Herzog said in a statement.
Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he had formally submitted a pardon request, arguing that the lengthy legal battles were causing deep strain within Israel.
US President Donald Trump also wrote to Herzog last month, urging him to grant Netanyahu a pardon. The prime minister has consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused in one case of receiving more than $260,000 in luxury items, including cigars, jewellery and champagne, from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours.
The prime minister also faces accusations in two additional cases, where he is alleged to have sought improved media coverage from two Israeli outlets in return for regulatory or political benefits.
Amid widening divisions in Israeli society between his supporters and critics, Netanyahu said he sought a pardon to help “lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so desperately needs”.
Netanyahu has consistently denied any misconduct in the ongoing cases and did not admit guilt when announcing his decision to request a pardon on Sunday.
Before Monday’s court hearing, which Netanyahu attended, opposing groups of protesters gathered outside a Tel Aviv courthouse, chanting slogans both for and against him. Some demonstrators wore bright orange jumpsuits resembling prisoner attire.
“He should be standing on trial just like every other citizen in Israel,” protester Paula Keusch told AFP.
But a pro-Netanyahu supporter, Rafael Shamir, said, “If the good of the country leads Netanyahu to request a stay of the trial, then I support him.”
What you should know
Netanyahu’s request for a presidential pardon reflects a critical moment in Israeli politics, where corruption allegations have fuelled intense national division.
Herzog’s decision is expected to carry significant political weight as both supporters and opponents view the case as a defining test of public trust and institutional integrity.
