Israeli Minister Eliyahu Urges President Herzog to Pardon Netanyahu Amid Legal Controversy

Minister Amichai Eliyahu, who is responsible for drafting the official government opinion on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, sent an urgent letter to President Isaac Herzog requesting the use of presidential pardon powers to halt Netanyahu's trial. Eliyahu referenced a previous recommendation he made to Herzog, supported by a comprehensive legal basis, emphasizing that recent developments in court have intensified the need for immediate presidential intervention.

The minister highlighted recent judicial remarks questioning the bribery charge in Case 4000, describing these doubts as significant and not merely technical. Eliyahu argued that even within the judicial system, there is recognition that the criminal proceedings against Netanyahu are far from clear-cut or well-founded as initially presented.

Linking the legal situation to Israel's complex security environment, Eliyahu warned that continuing the trial harms national security and undermines leadership effectiveness. He described the ongoing legal process as a "bizarre and unacceptable" distraction that deepens societal divisions, weakens governance, and severely damages public trust in legal institutions.

Eliyahu concluded by urging President Herzog to courageously exercise his authority to end what he termed a political persecution and judicial circus, allowing Israel to focus on its real challenges.