Herzog signals he may consider pardoning Netanyahu in corruption trial

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
Today 14:53
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As Netanyahu’s corruption trial drags into its sixth year, Herzog suggests a pardon could be on the table if requested through official channels.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, attend a ceremony in occupied al-Quds, Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has suggested he could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial, saying the proceedings have placed a heavy strain on the country.

“The Netanyahu case weighs heavily on Israeli society. If there is a request or any process, I will divulge this to the public with full transparency,” Herzog told Army Radio. “I will consider what’s best for the state and all other considerations.”

Netanyahu is facing charges in three separate corruption cases, collectively known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. These include allegations of receiving luxury gifts from billionaires, attempting to secure favorable media coverage in exchange for political favors, and manipulating regulatory decisions to benefit business allies.

The charges, bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, have been denied outright by Netanyahu, who claims they are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.

The trial, which formally began in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed, with Netanyahu frequently requesting postponements due to state obligations. Critics argue he is deliberately using the ongoing war on Gaza and the wider region to shield himself from legal consequences.

Since October 2023, "Israel" has launched military assaults in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and even Iran, developments that have allowed Netanyahu to claim that court appearances are incompatible with wartime leadership.

Trump's call to end Netanyahu trial

Last June, US President Donald Trump called for an end to Netanyahu's corruption trial, which at the time had reignited fierce debate in "Israel" over the future of the proceedings, now stretching into their sixth year.

Though initially seen by some as an external meddling in Israeli affairs, Trump's comments have bolstered growing calls from across "Israel's" political spectrum to bring the trial to a close, Bloomberg reported at the time.

At the heart of the discussion has been Herzog, who holds the authority to issue a presidential pardon. He has reportedly been in talks with former Chief Justice Aharon Barak.

Barak told Makor Rishon, "I don't care if it's by that method or a plea bargain, the main thing is that we reach an agreement." His position reflects a broader frustration with a legal process that, even among critics of Netanyahu, is seen as having become a long-running political liability.

At the time, Trump denounced the Netanyahu corruption trial, labeling it a "ridiculous Witch Hunt" and calling for it to be “CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY” or for Netanyahu to be issued a pardon.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said it was “unthinkable” that Netanyahu had again been summoned to court. He framed the charges as politically motivated and unjust, especially in light of Netanyahu’s leading the occupation during the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

“I was shocked to hear that the State of Israel, which has just had one of its Greatest Moments in History… is continuing its ridiculous Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister!” Trump wrote.

He praised Netanyahu’s role in what he has been describing as the 12-day war with Iran, which involved joint strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, hailing him as a “WARRIOR” who helped neutralize what Trump said was a looming nuclear threat.

“Bibi and I just went through HELL together, fighting a very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of ‘Israel’, Iran. Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos! Bibi Netanyahu was a WARRIOR… and the result was something that nobody thought was possible,” Trump added.

Trump defends Netanyahu’s record

Trump emphasized the close partnership he shared with Netanyahu, stating, “Perhaps there is no one that I know who could have worked in better harmony with the President of the United States, ME, than Bibi Netanyahu.”

He also ridiculed the corruption charges brought against the Israeli prime minister, including allegations of accepting luxury gifts such as cigars and even a Bugs Bunny doll, calling the case a "Horror Show" that began in May 2020.

“This is the first time a sitting Israeli Prime Minister has ever been on trial… concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges,” Trump said.

Calling the case a “travesty of justice,” Trump concluded: “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu.”