Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Monday for the first time after formally requesting a pardon from President Isaac Herzog in his prolonged corruption trial, a bold move endorsed by close ally U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust linked to alleged illicit dealings during his tenure, charges he vehemently denies.

Netanyahu’s pardon request, submitted in a 111-page application, aims to end the five-year-old trial he describes as politically motivated and detrimental to national unity. Trump had earlier urged Herzog to grant clemency, terming the prosecution “political and unjustified.” The president’s office acknowledged receipt of the extraordinary petition, noting that legal advisors will weigh in before a final decision is made.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders demanding conditions on any pardon, such as Netanyahu’s immediate retirement from politics and admission of guilt. Former PM Naftali Bennett, now a prominent critic, suggested ending the trial if Netanyahu agrees to withdraw from public life, arguing this could restore stability to Israel amid rising political tensions and the buildup to elections slated for October 2026.

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Netanyahu’s trial continues to dominate Israeli politics, dividing public opinion. Small protests erupted outside Tel Aviv court, with demonstrators demanding justice and accusing Netanyahu of evading accountability. His lawyers contend that court appearances disrupt his ability to govern, asserting that the trial will conclude in his acquittal if allowed to proceed. Historically, Israeli pardons follow legal convictions, making this unprecedented plea controversial.

With elections looming and Netanyahu's coalition deemed Israel’s most right-wing yet potentially vulnerable, the pardon request adds fresh uncertainty to the nation’s political landscape. The ongoing trial, Trump’s involvement, and parliamentary reactions underscore the high stakes as Netanyahu fights to maintain his political survival.

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