Knesset Speaker Urges President to Grant Netanyahu Clemency

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana has appealed to President Isaac Herzog, urging him to grant clemency to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ohana's plea follows testimony by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in Netanyahu's ongoing trial. Ohana stated that Mandelblit's testimony, particularly regarding alleged illegal investigative actions taken without his knowledge or approval, justifies a decision on Netanyahu's clemency request.

Ohana expressed shock at Mandelblit's testimony, which he interpreted as indicating that even the remaining charges in the indictment were based on unlawful investigations. He also noted that Mandelblit testified he had not read the details concerning 315 alleged instances of positive media coverage in the amended indictment and did not recall signing it himself. Ohana described the indictment as "dramatic in the country's history."

Furthermore, Ohana criticized the handling of the clemency request, suggesting that the clemency department and the legal counsel's office, as reflected in recommendations and media briefings, are determined to end Netanyahu's political career. He argued that the facts revealed by Mandelblit's testimony should not remain mere media reports but should prompt the President to rule on the clemency request.

Drawing on his legal background, Ohana asserted that granting clemency to the Prime Minister is the just and appropriate decision given the findings. He also criticized the prolonged delay in processing the request, which he linked to a broader issue of procedural delays within the justice system, noting that nearly seven months have passed since the request was submitted.