No apology or admission of guilt in Netanyahu’s letter to Herzog asking for a pardon

In his signed one-page letter to President Isaac Herzog asking for a pardon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not admit guilt or apologize for any wrongdoing, but acknowledges instead “broad public and ethical responsibility” for the tension caused by his corruption trial.

“In recent years, tensions and disputes have increased between different segments of the nation and between the various branches of the state,” he writes. ” I am aware that the proceedings being conducted in my case have become a focal point for confrontations.”

“I bear broad public and ethical responsibility, with an understanding of the consequences of all these events,” Netanyahu continues.

“Therefore, despite my personal interest in going through with the trial and proving my innocence until full acquittal, I believe that the public interest dictates otherwise,” says Netanyahu.

He says he has public responsibility to bring about reconciliation within the country, and that closing down the trial will lower the flames of political disagreement.

“Given the security challenges and the diplomatic opportunities currently facing Israel, I am committed to doing everything in my power to mend divisions, achieve unity among the people, and restore trust in the state institutions — as I expect from the branches of the state,” he concludes.

Netanyahu does not give any indication that he accepted a deal in which Herzog would grant a pardon in exchange for the prime minister stepping away from public life.

Though the letter is dated November 27, the President’s Office tells The Times of Israel that it received the request today.