Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adjusts the headphones during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will not step away from politics even if he is given a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial, Reuters reported.
Responding to a reporter’s question whether he planned to retire from political life if he received a pardon, Netanyahu replied: “No.”
Last month Netanyahu had asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon. His lawyers argued that the frequent court hearings were affecting his ability to govern and that a pardon would benefit the country.
In Israel, pardons are usually granted only after a case has ended and a conviction has been reached. Reuters noted that there is no previous example of a pardon being issued while a trial is still under way.
Netanyahu has denied all allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. His legal team maintains that the prime minister believes a full acquittal is possible if the trial continues to its conclusion.
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Before Netanyahu formally made his request, US President Donald Trump wrote to President Herzog, encouraging him to consider granting the Israeli leader a pardon.
Opposition politicians in Israel are divided on the issue. Some believe any pardon should require Netanyahu to leave political life and admit guilt. Others say he should first call national elections, which are scheduled for October 2026.
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