Israeli occupation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proposing a deal to regime's President Isaac Herzog: a presidential pardon in exchange for shelving the controversial judicial overhaul.

According to a report by Israel Hayom, Netanyahu is requesting that Herzog grant him a pardon “in the name of public interest,” offering what appears to be a political bargain, the cancellation of judicial amendments in return for immunity from prosecution.

The paper notes a significant gap between Herzog and Netanyahu's positions. While Herzog has publicly stated he is willing to consider a pardon request under established legal frameworks, Netanyahu continues to insist he will not admit guilt in the corruption cases against him.

Observers have questioned what Herzog means by “the applicable rules,” as Israeli Basic Law governing presidential pardons does not require admission of guilt, a conviction, or even remorse to grant clemency. This ambiguity has fueled speculation about whether a pardon without confession would be legally or politically tenable.

Netanyahu’s terms: No resignation, no retirement

The report adds that Netanyahu’s pardon request does not include any commitment to withdraw from political life. On the contrary, the document reportedly outlines his plans to continue serving as the occupation's prime minister if granted a pardon.

Netanyahu claims that such a pardon would allow him to “focus on uniting the people” and revisit issues such as the judicial system and media landscape, raising questions about what he truly intends to do if legally cleared.

Analysts suggest Netanyahu is signaling a retreat from his controversial judicial reforms, potentially repositioning himself alongside those opposing radical changes to the legal system. In the same breath, he appears to be offering conciliatory gestures toward the media, possibly hinting at scrapping legislation aimed at shutting down the army radio station or reversing the public broadcasting law promoted by Shlomo Karhi.

Exploiting a moment of institutional weakness

The article argues that Netanyahu is exploiting "a moment of institutional weakness within the legal system," particularly amid ongoing pressure on the Attorney General and the Supreme Court.

He appears to believe this moment presents the ideal intersection of his political interests and those of the judiciary.

Critics have stated that Netanyahu never truly prioritized judicial reform, using it instead as a tool for leverage. As Israel Hayom notes, “Just as Richard III once cried out in Shakespeare’s play, ‘My kingdom for a horse,’ Netanyahu now cries out: ‘Public interest for a pardon.’” His message, it says, is clear: he is willing to serve the public interest, only if pardoned.

Netanyahu's corruption trial 

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. The war criminal wanted by the ICC has been accused of deliberately continuing the aggression on Gaza and the wider region to shield himself from legal consequences.

Since October 2023, "Israel" has launched military aggressions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran, which Netanyahu exploited and claimed that court appearances are incompatible with wartime leadership.

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