"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that President Isaac Herzog pardon him of corruption charges in his five-year-long case, citing U.S. President Donald Trump's recent request for the favor and saying that it's necessary to advance the two leaders' joint interests as they ravage the Middle East. The prime minister made the request on Sunday, framing the trial as a "witch hunt" and a pardon as a way to unite Israel."
""The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, stirs up this division, and deepens rifts," he said. "I am sure, like many others in the nation, that an immediate conclusion of the trial would greatly help to lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so desperately needs." Herzog's office said that it was "aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications." The president "will responsibly and sincerely consider the request" after consulting with experts, the office added."
Benjamin Netanyahu requested that President Isaac Herzog pardon him of corruption charges in his five-year case, citing a recent request from U.S. President Donald Trump and arguing the pardon would advance shared interests. Netanyahu labeled the trial a "witch hunt" and said its continuation deepens societal divisions, calling for an immediate conclusion to promote reconciliation. Herzog's office said the request is extraordinary and will be considered responsibly after consulting experts. The trial began in 2020, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and was further delayed during military operations in Gaza; observers say Netanyahu has used military actions to postpone proceedings.
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