Netanyahu Seeks Immunity Citing National Security From President

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has taken a significant step in the face of mounting pressure in corruption cases, formally requesting pardon and dropping of the cases from the country’s President Isaac Herzog.

The foreign media outlets reportedly claim that, as per Netanyahu, the current domestic situation requires him to deal with national issues with unity.

Netanyahu said in his appeal that the ongoing corruption cases against him are not only a waste of time but also affect the pace of state decisions.

He called the raids against Hamas and Hezbollah major successes, saying that at this time they need to focus fully on national security, so immunity in the cases would be in the country’s interest.

President Isaac Herzog, on the other hand, in his initial response to the prime minister’s request, said that he would only consider the interest of the state and Israeli society when deciding the matter.

He made it clear that political pressure or harsh statements would not influence his decision.

However, the president acknowledged that this request for forgiveness has caused anxiety, division, and intense debate among different sections of the country.

He appealed to the public to give their opinion on the issue on the presidential website so that a broader social perspective could be part of their decision, adding that “respectful criticism and corrective dialogue are welcome” and that he would consider the matter very carefully.