Israeli PM Netanyahu turns to president for pardon in ongoing trial • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Indicted Criminal: A person formally accused of a crime by a grand jury.
• Pardon: An official act of forgiveness for a crime, typically granted by a head of state.
• Breach of Trust: A violation of a duty or obligation owed to another party.
• Regulatory Advantages: Benefits or privileges granted by a regulatory body, often related to business operations.
• Judicial Review: The power of courts to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government.
• Echo Chamber: A situation where beliefs are amplified or reinforced by communication and repetition within a closed system.

Summary of Prime Minister Netanyahu's Trial and Pardon Request

This transcript details the highly dramatic and unprecedented situation surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing trial and his recent request for a pardon. The core of the discussion revolves around the legal and political implications of this request, particularly in light of Israeli law and the Prime Minister's past actions.

The Trial: Charges and Delays

• Duration and Delays: Prime Minister Netanyahu has been on trial for approximately four to five years. A significant portion of the delays has been attributed to requests made by the Prime Minister himself.
• Paradoxical Stance: Initially, Netanyahu persuaded the Supreme Court to allow him to run for office despite being indicted, arguing he could manage both his trial and the country. However, he has since repeatedly claimed it is impossible to testify multiple times a week while serving as Prime Minister.
• Charges: The trial is described as "very complicated" and involves several serious charges, including bribery, breach of trust, and fraud.
• Focus of Allegations: Most of the indictments relate to Netanyahu's alleged efforts over many years to gain control of the Israeli media sphere. This allegedly involved offering illegal regulatory advantages to friends who owned major media companies.
• Personal Favors: He is also accused of using the Prime Minister's office to grant personal favors to billionaire friends, who in return allegedly compensated him with gifts such as jewelry for his wife, cigars, and champagne, contributing to a "lavish lifestyle."
• Testimony: Netanyahu has been providing his testimony, but "reluctantly," frequently requesting shorter sessions and citing diplomatic or security reasons, consistently stating it is "impossible for him to continue this trial."

The Pardon Request: Rationale and Implications

• Extraordinary Request: The request for a pardon while the trial is still underway is described as "extraordinary" and unprecedented in Israeli history.
• Public Interest Argument: Netanyahu's stated rationale for the pardon request is that the trial is "pulling the country apart" and that it is in the "public interest" for him to be pardoned so he can return to his "full duties as prime minister."
• Claim of Innocence: In a pre-taped video statement, Netanyahu explicitly stated that it is in his interest to continue the trial because he is "completely innocent." He further alleged that those pursuing him "engaged in crimes so as to attack him."
• "Echo Chamber" Influence: A significant point raised is Netanyahu's mention of a request from former U.S. President Donald Trump for the pardon. However, it is clarified that Netanyahu himself asked Trump to make this request, creating an "echo chamber" where the request appears to be influenced by external pressure.
• Legal Hurdles:
  • Israeli Law: Current Israeli law stipulates that a pardon can only be granted to a "convicted criminal." This presents a major legal obstacle to Netanyahu's request.
  • Judicial Review: The decision to grant a pardon will have to go through the pardons branch of the justice ministry and will be subject to judicial review.
  • Legal Opinions: Legal sources, including "Jerusalem lawyers," are quoted as calling the pardon request "a joke," implying it has very low chances of success.

Political Context and President Herzog's Position

• Immense Pressure: Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who would be the one to grant the pardon, is under "immense pressure."
• "Tearing Israel Apart": The situation is described as "Israel is being torn apart from within," with the Prime Minister allegedly attempting to "crush the Israeli judiciary so as to avoid this trial."

Conclusion

The transcript highlights a critical juncture in Israeli politics, where Prime Minister Netanyahu's legal battles have culminated in an unprecedented pardon request. This request faces significant legal challenges under existing Israeli law and is further complicated by political maneuvering and alleged external influence. The situation is characterized by deep divisions within Israel and a perceived attempt by the Prime Minister to undermine the judiciary to escape his ongoing trial. The ultimate outcome remains uncertain, with legal experts expressing skepticism about the pardon's chances of success.