Pardon

Pardoning Netanyahu would weaken Israel, empower Trump's interference - opinion

AS Trump's poodle, a pardoned Netanyahu would be less free to speak up when he feels America’s actions go against Israel’s interests.

PRESIDENT ISAAC Herzog and US President Donald Trump in the Knesset in October: Granting Netanyahu a pardon and dropping all criminal charges against him would dangerously embolden Trump and weaken Herzog, the writer argues.
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump share a warm moment in the Knesset in October 2025.

Netanyahu's pardon request: An act of sheer chutzpah, utter disrespect for democracy - opinion

President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.

Stuck in the middle: How President Herzog handles Netanyahu will define his legacy - opinion

Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernandez speaks during a joint message with US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acting Secretary Chad Wolf (not pictured), at the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa, Honduras January 9, 2020.

Trump pardons former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez


Will Netanyahu 'heal the nation' if he receives pardon from Herzog? - opinion

Israel deserves a legitimate October 7 inquiry and new elections, amid dramatic efforts to make amends and heal wounds.

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend the dedication of a new rehab center at Hadassah Hospital-Mount Scopus in October. Pardon Netanyahu if he takes substantive steps to unite the nation, says the writer.

Netanyahu's pardon request throws Herzog into thick of Israel’s political divides - opinion

Seeking a pardon before a verdict – particularly when the defendant is the prime minister – creates an extraordinary situation that could destabilize the relations between the branches of government.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court. The pardon mechanism was never intended to serve as an alternative to a criminal trial, states the writer.

Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, but only if he agrees to step aside - opinion

It would be in Israel’s best interests to grant the request on the condition that Netanyahu agrees to finish out his present term and retire from politics. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during the elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, November 25, 2025

No pardon for Netanyahu without political retirement, former justice minister says

“Almost every issue that is discussed is about whether it is good for Netanyahu or bad for Netanyahu,” he added. “The issue itself doesn’t matter.”

Haim Ramon attends a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, on April 3, 2025.

Netanyahu's pardon request 'suspicious, not for legal purposes,' Israeli attorney says

Attorney Kobi Sudri discussed the matter on 103FM with hosts Anat Davidov and Prof. Aryeh Eldad, raising doubts about the legal validity and intent behind the pardon request.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacts at a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025

Israel needs to find a way to move on after years of Netanyahu corruption trial - editorial

With the haredi draft and West Bank annexation alone, there are major issues on the table to be faced in the future.

Activists protest outside the home of President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, calling not to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, November 30, 2025.

Naftali Bennett voices support for Netanyahu pardon, coupled with PM's political exit

Former PM: "I will support a binding agreement that will include a dignified withdrawal [for Netanyahu] from political life alongside the end of the trial."

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett speaks at a political event in Jerusalem, November 19, 2025; illustrative.

Netanyahu will not step away from Israeli politics for plea deal, intends to run again

Sources close to President Herzog said that a decision on Netanyahu's pardon will take at least two months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset as President Isaac Herzog looks on on November 30, 2025.

Netanyahu's pardon must include admission of guilt, departure from political life, Lapid charges

”You cannot grant Netanyahu a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and an immediate withdrawal from political life," the opposition leader said.

Yair Lapid walks next then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, November 8, 2021

Presidential pardons in Israel: How do they work, and can Netanyahu receive one? - explainer

According to the President’s Office, pardons are considered only after a full evaluation by all relevant authorities.

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Tel Aviv stock market rises after Netanyahu's bombshell pardon request

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a 111-page pardon request to President Isaac Herzog, lifting Tel Aviv indexes as investors weighed stability risks and the state budget timeline.

President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a backdrop of a stock market ticker board.