Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approached President Isaac Herzog seeking a pardon amid his ongoing corruption and fraud trial. This comes shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated for his clemency in a separate letter.

In his plea, Netanyahu expressed concerns about the escalating public discord, stressing that while he does not concede guilt, a pardon could help “heal the national divide” and “calm the heated debates” linked to his legal proceedings.

President Herzog’s office acknowledged receipt of Netanyahu’s formal request for clemency on Sunday, describing it as “unprecedented” and recognizing the “considerable consequences” it entails.

According to the president’s office, the request has been forwarded to the Pardons Department within the Ministry of Justice. This department will consult with pertinent authorities to gather insights before making any decisions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Knesset, Israel’s legislative body, in Jerusalem on November 10, 2025. (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo)

The opinions will then be sent to the legal advisor in the Office of the President, who will formulate an additional opinion for Herzog.

“After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request,” Herzog’s office said in the statement.

President Isaac Herzog is welcomed with a full military guard of honor upon his arrival, marking the first state visit by an Israeli head of state, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia, Oct. 10, 2025. (Reuters/Moses Mwape)

Netanyahu is currently standing trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. The trial, which began in 2020, marked the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister testified as a criminal defendant.

Earlier this month, Trump urged Herzog to consider fully pardoning Netanyahu in a letter. Trump wrote that Netanyahu has been a “formidable and decisive” leader for Israel in a time of war and has led Israel “into a time of peace.”

President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House for a meeting on April 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Chen Mengtong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)

Trump wrote that while he “absolutely” respects the independence of the Israeli judicial system, he believes the case against Netanyahu is a “political, unjustified prosecution.”

Trump had previously urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during a speech in the Israeli Knesset in October.