Report: PM’s associates were involved in Likud ministers’ letter to Herzog requesting pardon

Associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were involved in the letter from Likud ministers to President Isaac Herzog, implying that he should pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the criminal charges he has faced in a years-long trial in the Jerusalem District Court, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The outlet does not detail the extent of the involvement of the premier’s associates.

The letter, authored by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, was signed by cabinet ministers and deputy ministers from the premier’s party.

Kan notes that the letter does not directly request a pardon, instead contending that the trial is “harming the unity of the people,” and saying that Netanyahu is “leading a historic victory over the enemies 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.

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