Levin to recuse himself from handling Netanyahu’s pardon request to prevent delays

Justice minister, whose closeness to PM could spark conflict of interest claims, delegates to Amichay Eliyahu; Pardons Department said to decide request should be rejected

Justice Minister Yariv Levin has recused himself from involvement in the handling of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, delegating the matter to Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu, the former’s office announced on Monday.

Levin’s Justice Ministry has been tasked with reviewing the legality of the pardon request, which was submitted in November by Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

In a statement announcing the decision, Levin’s office said the justice minister felt he would face attempts to block him from dealing with the pardon request due to his close ties to the premier.

To avoid delays caused by such conflict of interest claims, Levin has decided to transfer responsibility for the matter to Eliyahu, a far-right lawmaker who handles cases in which the minister is recused.

Levin and Eliyahu are expected to back Netanyahu’s request, regardless of what the Justice Ministry decides.

While the Justice Ministry has yet to publicly confirm having submitted its opinion to President Isaac Herzog regarding the legality of Netanyahu’s pardon request, Channel 13 reported Monday that the ministry’s Pardons Department had in fact determined that it does not meet the necessary criteria and should thus be rejected.

No further details were immediately provided in the report.