Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has no plans to step away from politics even if he receives a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial.
Speaking during a press conference in Jerusalem on Sunday, Netanyahu was asked whether he would retire from political life if pardoned. His response was brief: “No.”
Netanyahu recently submitted a formal request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog, with his legal team arguing that the lengthy trial — involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — is disrupting his ability to govern. They also claimed the pardon would be in Israel’s national interest.
Israel has no precedent for issuing a presidential pardon before the conclusion of a legal case, and pardons are typically granted only after conviction.
Despite facing years of legal battles, Netanyahu insists he has done nothing wrong and maintains confidence that the trial would end in a full acquittal if allowed to run its course.
His request has drawn political backlash. Several opposition figures have argued that any pardon should require Netanyahu to retire from politics and possibly admit guilt. Others say he should first call early national elections, though Israel is not required to vote again until October 2026.
Netanyahu’s appeal for a pardon comes weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog urging him to consider granting clemency to the Israeli leader.
