Knesset Speaker Calls on President to Grant Netanyahu Clemency

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana has appealed to President Yitzhak Herzog to grant clemency to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing testimony given by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in Netanyahu's ongoing trial. Ohana, who attended the court session where Mandelblit testified, expressed shock at the details revealed, stating that even the remaining charges in the indictment are based on illegal investigative actions. He claimed Mandelblit confirmed during his testimony that investigative actions against Netanyahu were conducted without his knowledge or approval, and that Mandelblit did not recall reviewing the specifics of the revised indictment.

Ohana argued that this conduct reveals a series of failures and legal violations that necessitate a decision on the clemency request. He also criticized the perceived stance of the Clemency Department and the Attorney General's office, suggesting a systemic desire to end Netanyahu's political career, as evidenced by a clemency recommendation submitted by Minister Eliyahu and subsequent media briefings. Ohana asserted that granting clemency to the Prime Minister is the just and appropriate decision given the findings.

Furthermore, Ohana addressed the issue of protracted legal proceedings, calling it a "plague" on the justice system, evident in cases involving the Prime Minister, other public figures, and ordinary citizens. He noted that approximately seven months have passed since the clemency request was submitted to the President, and believes the revealed facts are sufficient to rule on the matter. Mandelblit's testimony reportedly confirmed that serious investigative actions were not approved by him and that he was unaware of the pressure exerted on state's witness Nir Hefetz at the time.