He noted that “serious crimes” were committed against him during the initiation of the case, so he is determined to fight until all charges against him are dropped.
According to Netanyahu, ending the trial against him is in Israel's “national interest”, because continuing the trial is tearing the country apart from within, deepening divisions and preventing it from overcoming enormous challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities opening up for the country. He cited US President Donald Trump's recent request to Duke as another factor in favor of his pardon.
At the same time, according to media reports, in his letter to the Israeli President, Netanyahu does not admit guilt or apologize for any wrongdoing, but testifies to “broad public and ethical responsibility” for the tension caused by his corruption trial.
“I bear a broad social and moral responsibility in understanding the consequences of all these events. Therefore, despite my personal interest in pursuing a trial and bringing my innocence to full acquittal, I believe that the public interest dictates otherwise,” the Israeli prime minister wrote.
The publication notes that Netanyahu gives no hint that he accepts the agreement under which the Duke would pardon him in exchange for leaving public life. Although the letter is dated November 27, the presidential administration told The Times of Israel that the request was received today, November 30.
Context
December 10, 2024 Netanyahu began to testify in the Tel Aviv District Court as a defendant. The media wrote that he was accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
On June 26, 2025, after Netanyahu was subpoenaed, Trump made a statement at the White House calling for the trial of the Israeli prime minister to be canceled. He called the latter a “great hero,” emphasizing that the United States would save him. Trump considers the case against Netanyahu a “witch hunt.”
