Corruption charges against Netanyahu

Israeli President: Only takes into account the best interests of the country

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will only take into account the “best interests of the nation” when deciding whether to drop corruption charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he announced on Monday, reports the Times of Israel.

In a video statement, Herzog says that Netanyahu’s request for pardon is worrying many Israelis and sparking debate. He also invited the public to submit their views on the issue via the president’s website.

The decision is expected to take several weeks. According to Times of Israel sources, Herzog will travel to New York during that time, among other things. It is unclear whether he will meet Donald Trump during the trip. Trump recently went public and urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.

The indictment against Netanyahu – the case

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, as well as accepting gifts worth more than 2.8 million kronor.
• Netanyahu and his wife Sara have been accused of accepting expensive gifts, and Sara Netanyahu is also under investigation for attempting to influence witnesses in the corruption case.
• Netanyahu testified in a Tel Aviv court in December 2024 and denied all charges, while his attempt to postpone the testimony was rejected by the Jerusalem District Court.
• In November 2025, Netanyahu formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, citing the need to reduce divisions in the country.
• US President Donald Trump has publicly called on the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu, calling the trial political.