Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he will not retire from politics even if he receives a presidential pardon as part of his years-long trial over corruption charges.
When asked by reporters if he plans to retire from political life if he is pardoned, Netanyahu replied curtly: “No.”
Last month, Netanyahu asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, with the prime minister’s lawyers arguing that frequent court appearances hindered Netanyahu’s ability to govern the country and that a pardon would benefit the country.
In Israel, pardons are usually granted only after the trial has ended and the accused has been convicted; there is no precedent for a pardon to be issued during a trial.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, and his lawyers say the prime minister believes that if the process is completed, the result would be a full acquittal.
Before Netanyahu made the request, US President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog, urging the Israeli president to consider pardoning the prime minister.
Some Israeli opposition politicians believe that a pardon should be conditional on Netanyahu stepping down from politics and admitting guilt, while others argue that the prime minister must first call national elections, scheduled for October 2026.
(Vijesti.ba)
