image sourced from original article at A key Israeli judicial office has declined to recommend a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, stating that such a move would be inappropriate while he maintains his innocence. The office said a pardon could only be considered following an admission of guilt, a resignation, or a guilty verdict.
Mr. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, accused of accepting benefits from media executives in exchange for favorable coverage. He has denied the allegations and claims that law enforcement and prosecutors are attempting to remove him from office through the courts.
In recent months, Mr. Netanyahu has sought a pardon from Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, arguing that ending the trial would allow him to focus on governing. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Mr. Herzog for not acting on the request, but the president has said he will wait for a formal recommendation before making any decision.
