President Isaac Herzog is working to promote a plea bargain between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prosecutors in the long-running corruption trial against the premier, now in its seventh year. Herzog’s office confirmed that he views an agreement between the sides as a proper and constructive solution.

According to the president’s office, negotiations are a necessary step toward reaching such an arrangement. Herzog believes efforts to secure a deal should be fully pursued before any discussion of a potential presidential pardon.

Officials familiar with Herzog’s thinking said he does not intend to grant a pardon in the near future and sees alternatives beyond simply accepting or rejecting such a request. However, no details have been provided regarding the possible terms of a plea agreement.