Global Jewish groups urge Israeli President not to pardon Netanyahu amid corruption trial
Israeli PM has Netanyahu formally requested a pardon over long-running corruption case
A petition backed by 18 global Jewish organisations has urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog not to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon as he seeks an end to his long-running corruption trial.
Operating under the umbrella name “UnXeptable,” the petition—supported by groups such as Defend Israeli Democracy, J Street, and We Democracy—states: “At a time when Israel’s democracy is under intense strain and the eyes of the Jewish people and the world are upon us, a presidential pardon for a sitting Prime Minister, before his trial is complete, would send a devastating message.
“It would cast doubt on the independence of Israel’s justice system, blur the line between power and accountability, and undermine Israel’s standing as a state governed by the rule of law—a core Jewish value of ‘tzedek, tzedek tirdof’ (justice, justice shall you pursue).”
Netanyahu formally requested a pardon from Herzog, but did not admit guilt.
In a video statement, he continued to contest both the charges against him and the legitimacy of the process by which he was indicted.
He also did not express any intention to step down as prime minister, arguing that, if pardoned, he would be able to more effectively advance Israel’s interests.
Netanyahu further claimed that the ongoing trial was tearing Israel apart, and that its immediate conclusion “would greatly help lower the flames and promote broad reconciliation.”
The trial, now in its fifth year, centres on allegations that Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favours for favourable media coverage, accepted luxury gifts from billionaires, and abused public trust.
Netanyahu insists that continuing the trial is too divisive, claiming it is in the “national interest” to bring it to a close. He also cited a personal letter from U.S. President Donald Trump urging Israel to grant him a pardon.
A spokesperson from We Democracy UK said: “We feel obligated to respond to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s unprecedented attempt to secure a pardon that would completely stop all judicial proceedings against him. This is a blatant effort to evade accountability and a profoundly anti-democratic act that violates the basic principle that no one is above the law.
“At a moment when Israel’s democratic institutions are under sustained assault, granting this pardon would be dangerous and destabilising. It would signal that political power can override the rule of law and cast serious doubt on the independence of Israel’s judiciary. President Herzog must not grant this pardon.
“We urge Israelis in the UK and members of the British Jewish community who care about Israel’s future to add their names to this letter, joining the thousands of Israelis who have already voiced their clear opposition.”
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