Netanyahu rejects calls from the opposition. Israel's prime minister says he will not retire from politics if pardoned
Benjamin Netanyahu, Photo: JINI / Xinhua News / Profimedia
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he will not retire from politics if he is pardoned by the country's president in the years-long corruption trial, Reuters reports.
Asked by a reporter if he plans to retire from political life if he is pardoned, Netanyahu denied: “No.”
The journalist's question came as some politicians in the Israeli opposition argued that a possible pardon of Netanyahu should be conditional on him withdrawing from politics and admitting guilt. Others argue that the prime minister must first call national elections – which are scheduled for October 2026.
Last month, the Israeli prime minister submitted a formal request for a pardon to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, arguing that making the decision would allow him to focus on state affairs, according to Reuters and the Times of Israel. His lawyers argue that frequent court appearances affect his ability to govern and that a pardon would be good for the country.
In Israel, pardons are generally granted only after legal proceedings have concluded and the defendant has been convicted. There is no precedent for a person being pardoned mid-trial.
Netanyahu's trial began in 2020
The Israeli prime minister has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty in the long-running corruption trial against him. It started in 2020 and is still far from over.
In 2019, Netanyahu was indicted in three cases, including allegations of receiving gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) from businessmen.
He was accused of accepting gifts – including cigars and champagne – in exchange for promoting the personal interests of film producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.
Prime Minister Netanyahu claims that the trial is actually a witch hunt and is aimed at removing him from power, even though he was democratically elected.
In October, when he visited Israel, US President Donald Trump had urged Herzog to pardon the prime minister in a speech to the Israeli parliament. In November, the US leader formally asked the Israeli president to make this decision.
