Israel President Isaac Herzog Calls for Deal Before Deciding Netanyahu Pardon Request

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has stated that reaching an agreement between parties should be prioritized before any decision is made on a pardon request submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s legal case, which began with investigations nearly a decade ago, has deeply divided Israeli politics and influenced multiple election cycles, including five national votes between 2019 and 2022. The next election is scheduled for October 2026. Netanyahu has denied all allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

In an official statement, Herzog said, “The President therefore believes that before addressing the pardon request itself, efforts should first be exhausted to reach an agreement between the parties, outside the courtroom.”

The statement followed reports suggesting that Herzog may support mediation efforts aimed at reaching a plea bargain instead of immediately ruling on the pardon request. However, his office declined to confirm any ongoing negotiations, and Netanyahu’s office has not issued a response.

Netanyahu submitted his pardon request in November. Under Israeli law, the president holds the authority to grant pardons, although there is no precedent for doing so while a trial is ongoing.

The case has drawn international attention, including repeated calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging Herzog to consider a pardon.

Netanyahu is expected to return to court this week as his long-running trial continues. He remains the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges.