Benjamin Netanyahu formally apologizes to Israeli president

2025-11-30 14:12:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally apologized to the Israeli president, arguing that the lengthy trial against him is hindering his ability to govern and that a pardon would be in the country's best interest.

Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history, has long denied the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. His lawyers said in a letter to the president's office that the prime minister believes the legal proceedings will result in his full acquittal.

"My lawyers sent a request for forgiveness to the country's president today. I expect that all those who love the country will support this step ," Netanyahu said in a short video statement released by his Likud party.

President Isaac Herzog's office announced earlier today that the request had been accepted. Herzog's office also said that the request would be forwarded to the Justice Ministry, as is standard practice, for opinions, which would be presented to the president's legal adviser, who would make a recommendation to the president. Israel's Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, is a member of Netanyahu's Likud party and a close ally of the prime minister.

In the letter, Netanyahu's lawyers argue that the criminal proceedings against him have deepened social divisions and that the conclusion of the trial is necessary for national reconciliation. They also say that the increasingly frequent court hearings are tiring while the prime minister is trying to fulfill his duties as a government official.

Pardons are traditionally granted in Israel only after legal proceedings have been completed and the defendant has been convicted. Netanyahu's lawyers have argued that the president can intervene when the public interest is at stake, as in this case, in order to bridge divisions and strengthen national unity. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said in a statement that Netanyahu should not be pardoned without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse and an immediate departure from politics. /CNA