Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon during his long corruption trial, which is dividing the country.
In a statement released this Sunday, the prime minister’s office said that Netanyahu had submitted a pardon request to the legal department of the President’s Office.
The President’s Office considered the request “extraordinary”, with “significant implications”.
Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to stand trial, after being accused of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate casesin which he is accused of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters. He hasn’t been convicted of anything yet.
The request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu.
In its first response, the Israeli Presidency’s office avoided commenting immediately and indicated that it will study the situation carefully.
“This is an extraordinary request for clemency with important implications. After receiving all the opinions, the President of the State will consider it with responsibility and seriousness”, informs the note, published by channel 12 of Israeli television.