Benjamin Netanyahu submits request for pardon in corruption trial

Benjamin Netanyahu (Aaron Chown/PA)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the president to grant him a pardon during his long-running corruption trial which has bitterly divided the country.

In a statement on Sunday the prime minister’s office said Netanyahu had submitted a request for a pardon to the legal department of the Office of the President.

The office called it an “extraordinary request” with “significant implications”.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (Alastair Grant/PA)

Mr Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial after being charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three cases accusing him of exchanging favours with wealthy political supporters. He has not yet been convicted of anything.

The request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump urged Israel to pardon him.

In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu said the trial has divided the country and a pardon 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.

His request consisted of two documents: a detailed letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by Netanyahu. They will be sent to the justice ministry for opinions and will then be transferred to the legal adviser in the Office of the President, which will formulate additional opinions for the president, Isaac Herzog.