Netanyahu Seeks Pardon In Corruption Cases
JERUSALEM, Israel (WHN) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively exploring a potential presidential pardon to resolve the corruption charges that have shadowed his leadership for years, sources familiar with the matter reported Tuesday. The arrangement would reportedly require Netanyahu to permanently exit political life in exchange for clemency in three ongoing criminal cases.
The discussions are in a preliminary stage. They involve legal representatives for the Prime Minister and intermediaries communicating with the office of President Isaac Herzog, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12 News.
At the center of the potential deal are Case 1000, which involves allegations of receiving illicit gifts; Case 2000, concerning an alleged attempt to arrange favorable media coverage; and Case 4000, the most severe, which includes a charge of bribery over regulatory favors. Netanyahu has consistently denied all wrongdoing, labeling the investigations a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
A key condition for any potential pardon is Netanyahu’s complete and irreversible withdrawal from public service. This stipulation aims to address concerns that a pardon would allow him to escape justice while retaining political power, a source briefed on the talks stated.
The Prime Minister’s Office has not issued an official comment on the reports. President Herzog’s office released a brief statement saying it does not comment on matters related to pardon requests until a formal, official application is submitted through the proper channels.
Immediate and fierce political blowback has erupted. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the move, calling it a “disgraceful attempt to evade justice” in a post on the social media platform X. Lapid asserted that any such deal would “create a terrible precedent for Israeli democracy.”
Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet and a key political rival, stated that national unity is paramount but “the law is above all.” His National Unity party released a statement demanding the legal process continue without political interference.
“A pardon in exchange for retirement is an admission of guilt,” the statement from Gantz’s party read. “The people of Israel deserve a leadership that is not mired in criminal affairs.”
Reactions within Netanyahu’s own Likud party appear divided. Some lawmakers, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed relief that a deal could end years of political instability and allow the party to move forward. Others voiced staunch opposition, insisting on the Prime Minister’s innocence and right to a full trial to clear his name.
Legal experts question the viability of such an arrangement before a conviction. Dr. Amir Fuchs of the Israel Democracy Institute told Army Radio that a pre-conviction pardon of this nature is “highly unusual and legally complex,” though not impossible. The Attorney General’s office, which is prosecuting the cases, would almost certainly oppose the measure, according to sources within the Justice Ministry.
Anti-government protest movements, which have held weekly demonstrations for years calling for Netanyahu’s resignation, have already announced plans for a “mass rage” protest outside the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
The development comes at a moment of extreme national crisis. The country remains at war in Gaza and faces escalating tensions on its northern border with Lebanon.
The trial proceedings have been partially slowed by the ongoing conflict, but court hearings continue. The next session in Case 4000 is scheduled to hear testimony from a key state witness later this month.
