Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu affirms he will not leave politics after being pardoned

(CLO) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will not withdraw from politics, after being pardoned by the Israeli President in a corruption case that has lasted for many years.

The statement came after he formally sent a pardon request to President Isaac Herzog, sparking a deep political and legal debate in the country.

On Sunday (December 7), when asked by a reporter if he planned to leave politics if pardoned, Prime Minister Netanyahu answered firmly: "No".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: X/IsraeliPM

Amid an ongoing corruption trial, Prime Minister Netanyahu's announcement is not only about his personal future, but also a test of Israel's political stability and judiciary.

The request for a pardon was sent by Mr. Netanyahu to President Herzog last month. Prime Minister Netanyahu's lawyers argued that his frequent court appearances were hindering his ability to run the country, and that a pardon would be in the national interest. The move is said to shift responsibility to President Herzog and open an unprecedented legal debate.

Netanyahu's request for a mid-trial pardon is a highly controversial one. In Israel, pardons are usually only considered after legal proceedings have concluded and a defendant has been convicted.

This is the key point, because in the history of Israeli judiciary, there is no precedent for a president to issue a pardon while the trial is still ongoing. For his part, Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. His legal team asserts that the Israeli Prime Minister still believes he will be acquitted if the trial proceeds to the end.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's request for clemency has become a political flashpoint, increasing internal divisions and attracting the attention of international allies. Notably, before Mr. Netanyahu officially submitted the request, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israeli President Herzog, a move seen as an attempt to create international support for the clemency.

Domestically, the opposition has taken a different view. Some opposition politicians have argued that any pardon should come with strings attached, including that Netanyahu permanently retire from politics and admit guilt.

Some have called for the Israeli prime minister to call a general election before considering a pardon. The next election is currently scheduled for October 2026.

Source: https://congluan.vn/thu-tuong-israel-netanyahu-khang-dinh-khong-roi-chinh-truong-sau-khi-duoc-an-xa-10321740.html