News Flash
JERUSALEM, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Monday
he would focus only on Israel's "best interests" when he weighs Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for a pardon on corruption charges.
"It will be handled in the most correct and precise manner. I will consider
solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society," Herzog
said in a statement.
Netanyahu announced Sunday he had submitted a pardon request, saying the
long-running cases were tearing Israel apart.
US President Donald Trump also wrote to Herzog last month, seeking a pardon
for Netanyahu. The premier has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the
proceedings.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara stand accused in one case of accepting more than
$260,000 worth of luxury goods such as cigars, jewellery and champagne from
billionaires in exchange for political favours.
The premier is also accused of seeking to negotiate more favourable coverage
from two Israeli media outlets in another two cases.
Since the cases have exposed deep divisions in Israeli society between his
backers and opponents, Netanyahu said he was seeking a pardon to help "lower
the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so
desperately needs".
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the ongoing court cases and
made no admission of guilt on Sunday in announcing his bid for a pardon.
Before a hearing Monday, attended by Netanyahu, protesters against and in
support of the prime minister chanted slogans outside the courthouse in Tel
Aviv, including some dressed in bright orange prisoner-style jumpsuits.
"He should be standing on trial just like every other citizen in Israel,"
protester Paula Keusch told AFP.
But pro-Netanyahu demonstrator Rafael Shamir said: "If the good of the
country leads Netanyahu to request a stay of the trial, then I support him."
