Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially submitted a pardon request to President Isaac Herzog.
Modern.az reports that The Times of Israel published this information, citing the country's presidential office.
According to representatives of the Herzog administration, the Justice Ministry's pardon department will collect opinions from all relevant bodies of the ministry and then submit recommendations to legal advisors.
The Israeli president can pardon individuals convicted by a court decision and, in very rare cases – can issue a pardon even before the court proceedings are concluded. However, there is a condition that the decision is granted only if it is in the public interest.
It should be noted that a corruption investigation against Netanyahu began in December 2016, and in 2019, he was officially indicted on several corruption charges. Netanyahu denies the charges. The Israeli Prime Minister is accused, in particular, of accepting tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts – cigars and champagne – from a billionaire and Hollywood producer in exchange for support for his personal and business interests. Netanyahu is also suspected of helping media moguls to obtain positive media coverage for his and his family's activities.
In mid-November, US President Donald Trump appealed to Herzog, requesting Netanyahu's pardon. Netanyahu, however, had stated that he would not seek a pardon in the corruption case if it meant admitting his guilt.
