President Isaac Herzog’ has issued his first official statement after Netanyahu asked for an end to his corruption trial, saying the long-running cases were dividing the country.
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting more than $260,000 (€223,450) worth of gifts from wealthy businessmen as well as separate cases of seeking favourable media coverage. The prime minister denies all wrongdoing and says he is requesting a pardon to help calm tensions and promote “broad reconciliation” in Israeli society.
Herzog’s comments are the first direct response from the president since Netanyahu’s announcement. It also confirms earlier reporting that previously U.S. president Donald Trump wrote to Herzog asking him to pardon Netanyahu—something the president’s office did not act on.
The case continues to spark strong reactions. Before a hearing in Tel Aviv on Monday, December 1st, protesters for and against Netanyahu gathered outside the courthouse. Some wore orange prisoner-style jumpsuits, while others defended the prime minister’s decision to seek a pardon.
Herzog has not yet given a timeline for his decision, saying only that the matter will be handled “correctly and precisely.”
