Israel’s Netanyahu seeks pardon to end corruption trial • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

Netanyahu's Trial: The ongoing corruption trial of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pardon Law: The legal requirement in Israel that a pardon can only be granted to a convicted criminal.
Judicial Reform: Netanyahu's proposed changes to the Israeli legal system, aimed at altering the balance of power between branches of government.
President of Israel: The titular head of state, who has a role in the pardon process.
Political Statement vs. Legal Effort: The dual nature of Netanyahu's recent actions, serving both political and legal objectives.
Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals, including government leaders, are subject to and accountable under the law.

Netanyahu's Legal and Political Maneuvers

Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a critical juncture in his ongoing corruption trial, with his testimony scheduled for the following day. While the trial has not been officially canceled, Netanyahu's recent actions, including a statement, a letter, and an 111-page submission to the President of Israel, are interpreted as a de facto request to halt or annul the proceedings. These actions are viewed as a significant political disruption to the Israeli political system, as much as a legal strategy.

Legal Basis for Pardons in Israel

Under Israeli law, a pardon can only be granted to an individual who has been convicted of a crime. The President of Israel, while the head of state, does not possess absolute power and must operate within a system for processing pardon requests. Netanyahu's submission to the President does not explicitly request a "pardon" and does not admit guilt, which complicates the legal process.

Netanyahu's Efforts to Cancel Trial

Netanyahu's attempts to avoid a verdict in his trial have been ongoing for a considerable period, predating the current war. These efforts intensified after his re-election to power, when he initiated what has been termed the "reform of the administration of the state," a controversial proposal aimed at reshaping the balance of power between the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches of Israel. This "judicial reform" is seen by critics as a "civilian coup d'état."

Analysis of Netanyahu's Request and Presidential Response

The submission to the President of Israel is a required step for anyone seeking a pardon. However, Netanyahu's approach, by not admitting responsibility and not using the word "pardon," presents a unique challenge. The initial reaction from the President of Israel, who stated he would "seriously examine" the request, has been interpreted by some as a potentially coordinated response, leaving open the possibility of a significant shift in how such requests are handled. This could set a precedent where a prime minister is deemed not subject to the rule of law, a scenario that has drawn widespread concern and protests in Israel.

Public Reaction and Opposition

Protests have erupted in front of the President's home, with demonstrators demanding that the request be rejected outright. The leader of the Labor Party in Israel has publicly stated, referencing a quote attributed to President Trump, that "only someone guilty requests a pardon."

Netanyahu's Stated Reasons for the Request

In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu provided two primary justifications for his request:

Peace for the People of Israel: He claimed that his request was to bring "peace to the people of Israel," suggesting that while he personally wished to pursue the trial to prove his innocence, the nation needed respite.
President Trump's Request: He stated that he was respecting a request from former President Trump for him to be pardoned.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The situation remains highly fluid, with the legal system and the President of Israel's response yet to be fully determined. Netanyahu's actions represent a critical moment, potentially challenging the fundamental principles of the rule of law in Israel. The outcome of this complex legal and political maneuver will significantly impact Netanyahu's ability to annul his corruption trial and maintain his grip on power. The coming days are crucial for understanding the chances of such an annulment and the broader implications for Israeli governance.