Tel Aviv, Israel – Web Desk: Israel’s Justice Ministry has decided not to recommend a presidential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the corruption cases currently being heard in court, according to Hebrew media reports.
The ministry’s Pardon Department completed its legal review and forwarded its opinion to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds the authority to grant or deny clemency.
According to the legal assessment, Netanyahu’s request for a pardon does not meet the necessary legal conditions, making it difficult to recommend clemency at this stage.
Reports say the document was prepared following directions from the justice ministry and sent through official channels to the presidency for final consideration.
Netanyahu’s corruption trial remains ongoing at the Tel Aviv District Court, and he has not yet been convicted or sentenced in the case.
Legal experts note that Israel’s High Court has previously ruled that a pardon can technically be granted before sentencing, but such a step generally requires the applicant to acknowledge wrongdoing and express remorse—conditions that Netanyahu’s request reportedly did not fulfill.
Meanwhile, reports have also surfaced claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to pressure Israeli authorities to grant Netanyahu clemency. However, President Herzog previously stated that any decision regarding the matter would be taken independently and in accordance with justice and the law.
Background of the Corruption Case
In 2019, Israel’s then Attorney General formally charged Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, marking the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister faced such allegations.
The trial officially began in 2020 at the Tel Aviv District Court. Over the following years, prosecutors presented multiple testimonies and pieces of evidence as part of the proceedings.
Netanyahu has consistently denied all accusations, calling them politically motivated.
In 2025, while the trial was ongoing, the Israeli prime minister submitted a request for presidential clemency, sparking a national debate across Israel’s political and legal circles.
With the Justice Ministry now declining to recommend the pardon, the final decision rests with President Isaac Herzog.
