Netanyahu is submitting a pardon request during his ongoing trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday asked the country’s President to pardon him over the fraud charges – seeking to end a long-running case that has divided the nation.

Netanyahu, who has faced the country’s legal system over the crimes, said the request would help unite the country at a time of great change in the region. But it soon sparked a crackdown on his opponents, who said it would weaken Israel’s democratic institutions and send a dangerous message that he is above the law.

In a statement on Sunday, the Prime Minister’s Office said that Netanyahu had submitted a request for clemency to the Legal Department of the Office of the President. The President’s Office called it an “unusual request,” carrying it with “great importance.”

Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to stand trial, after being they are charged with deception, breach of trust and accepting bribes In three separate cases they allege the exchange of wealthy political patrons. He was not convicted of any crime.

Netanyahu rejected the allegations and dismissed the case as a witch hunt orchestrated by the media, police and judiciary.

The request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu. Earlier this month Trump also sent a letter to President Isaac Herzog calling the impeachment trial “political persecution, baseless.”

In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu said the case had divided the country and that forgiveness would help restore national unity. He also said the requirement that he appear in court three times a week is a distraction that makes it difficult for him to lead the country.

“The continuation of the case is hurting us, it is stirring this division, and it is very deep. I am sure that the certainty of the trial will help to reduce the flames,” he said.

Netanyahu has taken sides several times in the past year, but the case has been delayed several times as he has been dealing with the wars and military attacks from the October 2023 military offensive, as well as Israel’s military action in Gaza.

A plea for pardon cannot stop the trial: Legal experts

Netnyahu’s application contained two documents – a detailed letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by himself.

They will be sent to the Department of Justice of the judiciary and will then be forwarded to the legal adviser in the office of the President, who will form additional opinions of the President.

Legal experts say the pardon request cannot stop the trial.

“Impossible,” said Emi Pallor, former director general of the Department of Justice.

“You can’t plead not guilty while the case is going on and come to the President and ask him to intervene,” he said, adding that the only way to prevent a trial is to stop.

Netanyahu’s request provoked an immediate response from opposition and pro-government groups, who urged the President not to accede to his request.

“You cannot pardon him without an admission of guilt, a sign of remorse and an early retirement from political life,” the opposition leader said.

Israel’s top government move to grant amnesty to a prime minister accused of massive fraud and breach of trust will send citizens above the law.