Likud cabinet members call on president to pardon Netanyahu for corruption charges

Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers from the Likud party sign a letter to President Isaac Herzog, authored by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, asking him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the criminal charges he has faced in a years-long trial in the Jerusalem District Court.

The letter contends that the trial is “harming the unity of the people,” and says that Netanyahu is “leading a historic victory over the enemies of Israel.”

The ministers conclude, “These historic days have created a great opportunity for restoration and unity, through your use of your authority,” adding, “The entire nation is asking you to rise like a lion, act, and weave true unity into the people of Israel.”

Netanyahu is charged with one count of bribery, as well as fraud and breach of trust in three different cases relating to corruption allegations against him. His trial began in 2020 and is still far from being concluded. He is the first sitting prime minister to go on trial.

The president of the state is empowered to grant pardons to those convicted in court, and on very rare occasions, before legal proceedings have been concluded, if it is deemed to be for the public good. In a speech to the Knesset last week, US President Donald Trump called on Herzog to pardon the prime minister.

The individual seeking the pardon or an immediate family member must make the request, which Netanyahu and his relatives have yet to do.