Israelis say Netanyahu should not be pardoned before court case ends or if he resigns

Israelis have expressed mixed reactions after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial before a verdict was reached, a move that many say undermines the rule of law and accountability.

Speaking to Reuters in Jerusalem, residents said a pardon should only be considered if Netanyahu is convicted or chooses to resign under specific conditions. Many saw the request as an attempt to escape political and moral responsibility for the events of October 7, when Hamas’s attack triggered one of Israel’s darkest days.

“I think that President Herzog should follow the rule of law of the State of Israel,” said Jerusalem resident Jill Rosenfield. “And the rule of law says that you don't give a pardon until someone is found guilty. Why he’s asking for a pardon now, I don't know.”

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has denied charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in a trial that has dragged on for years. His request, submitted on Sunday, argued that the legal proceedings were hindering his ability to govern effectively, claiming that ending the trial would serve Israel’s national interest.

Others, however, said any move toward reconciliation must be tied to Netanyahu stepping down. Writer Hannah Washolderkatsman, whose son was killed during the October 7 attacks, said a pardon could only be justified if the prime minister accepts responsibility and leaves office.

“If he would resign, I would be happy to grant him reconciliation,” she said. “He should resign and encourage setting up a National Committee of Inquiry. There’s a justification for ending the trial — but only if he would resign.”

While some citizens agreed that ending the legal saga could help stabilise Israeli politics, others saw the timing as self-serving. “If he can’t manage being the prime minister and going to the trial, he should resign,” Rosenfield added. “To ask for a pardon without admitting guilt, without losing any position, without it affecting his life whatsoever — I certainly don’t think he should get it.”

A smaller number of voices, however, defended the prime minister. “I think basically it was a minor infraction and it really won’t help the country except for people who hate Netanyahu,” said Jerusalem resident Stanley Raskas. “So I would hope Herzog will agree and that we can get done with all this.”

President Herzog has not yet commented publicly on whether he will consider Netanyahu’s request. Analysts say any decision is likely to stir deep political divisions, as Israel continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Gaza conflict and growing domestic discontent over the government’s handling of the crisis.

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