Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu apologizes to President over corruption allegations

Tel Aviv (Israel) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog in corruption cases. Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad submitted a 111-page application.

1. In Israel, the President has the power to pardon people convicted by a Court. In cases involving public interest, pardons can be granted even before the legal process is complete.

2. The trial against Netanyahu began in May 2020. He is being tried on 3 separate counts of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery.

I will not tolerate Netanyahu being punished : Trump threatened

President of the United States, Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump also wrote a letter to Herzog last week, requesting a pardon on Netanyahu’s behalf. Trump had earlier said that if Netanyahu is convicted, US would not tolerate it.

3 cases against Netanyahu

1. Netanyahu is accused of accepting expensive gifts from Hollywood filmmaker Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. This includes $200,000 worth of cigars (a type of cigarette), champagne, jewelry, etc. It is alleged that Netanyahu provided them with political benefits in return.

2. Netanyahu made a deal with the publisher of the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth to give him positive coverage in return for passing a law that would weaken the rival newspaper Israel Hayom.

3. Netanyahu benefited from a telecom company called Bezeq, and in return, owner Shaul Elovitch’s news website, ‘Walla’, published stories in his favour.

Netanyahu has called all these allegations false and politically motivated. Currently, a verdict in this case is not likely until 2026. After this, Netanyahu can also challenge it in the Supreme Court.