Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is formally seeking a preemptive pardon of the criminal charges he has long faced, saying in a video address ending his prosecution was needed to bring unity to a divided nation.

“I am certain, as are many others in the nation, that an immediate end to the trial would greatly help lower the flames and promote broad reconciliation — something our country desperately needs,” Netanyahu said in the speech on Sunday as his attorneys filed a petition with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is responsible for granting pardons.

Netanyahu’s speech comes weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog advocating a pardon , which Herzog said he could not consider because Israeli law requires the accused or his family to make the request.

Netan

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