Netanyahu's Court Appearance Following Pardon Request Supported by Trump Sparks Political Division in Israel

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, made a court appearance on Monday following his controversial request for a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial—a request publicly endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The pardon request has triggered significant pushback from opposition figures, with many suggesting any clemency should require Netanyahu to acknowledge guilt and exit politics. Some critics insist he must first call for national elections, which aren't mandatory until October 2026, before seeking pardon consideration.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed conditional support for ending the trial if Netanyahu agreed to withdraw from political life "in order to pull Israel out of this chaos." Bennett added: "This way, we can put this behind us, unite and rebuild the country together." Bennett, who previously led the coalition that temporarily displaced Netanyahu in 2021, currently polls as the frontrunner to form a government should Netanyahu step down.

Netanyahu faces serious charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust following extensive investigations that resulted in his 2019 indictment, with the trial commencing in 2020. Throughout the proceedings, he has consistently maintained his innocence and made no admission of guilt in his pardon application. His legal team has emphasized Netanyahu's belief that completing the trial would result in full acquittal.

Protesters gathered outside the Tel Aviv courthouse during Monday's hearing, with some demonstrators wearing orange prison-style jumpsuits and demanding Netanyahu face imprisonment. Demonstrator Ilana Barzilay voiced objection to Netanyahu seeking pardon without accepting responsibility or admitting guilt.

In their letter to President Isaac Herzog released Sunday, Netanyahu's attorneys argued that his frequent court appearances were impeding his ability to govern effectively, suggesting a pardon would benefit the nation. However, presidential pardons in Israel have traditionally been granted only after trial conclusion and conviction, with no precedent for mid-trial clemency.

Netanyahu's request came just two weeks after Trump wrote directly to Herzog urging consideration of a pardon, characterizing the case as a "political, unjustified prosecution." While Netanyahu's right-wing coalition allies have supported his pardon request, opposition parties have consistently used his legal troubles as campaign ammunition. Current polling indicates his coalition—described as the most right-wing in Israel's history—would likely struggle to secure enough seats to form another government.