Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from the country’s president regarding ongoing corruption charges. This request, submitted on Sunday, aims to conclude a lengthy trial that has deeply divided the nation. Netanyahu argues that a pardon would foster national unity during a time of significant regional changes. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from his political opponents, who claim it undermines Israel’s democratic institutions and suggests he believes he is above the law.

In a statement released by his office, Netanyahu's request was described as an "extraordinary request" with "significant implications." He is the first sitting prime minister in Israel's history to face trial, having been indicted on charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in three separate cases. These cases allege that he exchanged favors with wealthy supporters. Netanyahu has consistently denied the allegations, labeling the trial a witch hunt orchestrated by the media, police, and judiciary.

The timing of the request follows a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to consider granting Netanyahu a pardon, calling the corruption case a "political, unjustified prosecution." In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu expressed that the trial has caused division within the country and that a pardon would help restore unity. He emphasized that the requirement for him to appear in court three times a week distracts him from his duties as prime minister. "The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, stirs up this division, and deepens rifts," he stated.

Netanyahu has taken the stand multiple times over the past year, but the trial has faced delays due to ongoing conflicts, including the recent Hamas-led attacks in October 2023. His pardon request includes two documents: a detailed letter from his lawyer and a personal letter from Netanyahu. These documents will be sent to the Ministry of Justice for review before being forwarded to the president's legal advisor for further recommendations.

Legal experts have indicated that the pardon request cannot halt the trial proceedings. Emi Palmor, a former director general of the Justice Ministry, stated, "It’s impossible. You cannot claim that you’re innocent while the trial is going on and come to the president and ask him to intervene." She noted that the only way to stop the trial would be to request the attorney general to suspend the proceedings.

The request has prompted immediate backlash from opposition leaders and advocacy groups. Opposition leader Yair Lapid asserted that a pardon should not be granted without an admission of guilt, remorse, and Netanyahu's retirement from political life. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel echoed this sentiment, warning that granting a pardon to a prime minister facing serious charges would imply that some citizens are above the law.

Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister since 1996, remains a polarizing figure in Israeli politics. He has faced ongoing scrutiny over the corruption charges while also managing significant national security issues, including the recent conflict in Gaza. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of his pardon request will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks.