Netanyahu Trial

Trump, trial, and troops: Inside the perfect political storm that triggered Netanyahu's pardon push

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: A sympathetic White House, a punishing courtroom schedule, and a looming coalition crisis over haredi conscription explain the prime minister’s sudden pardon request.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dealing with a US president who is personally, emotionally, and politically invested in his fate. Trump has never hidden his view that Netanyahu should be pardoned. Here, the two stand together in the Knesset, during Trump’s October visit.
(Left) Netanyahu arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court. (Right) Trump sits with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and President Isaac Herzog at a special parliamentary session, where the US leader called on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.

The Deep Dive: Netanyahu requests for pardon in trial as one hostage remains in Gaza

WITH PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu at his side at Ben-Gurion Airport, US President Donald Trump concludes his trip to Israel in October.

My Word: Trials and errors, and granting pardons - opinion

PRESIDENT ISAAC Herzog and US President Donald Trump in the Knesset in October: Granting Netanyahu a pardon and dropping all criminal charges against him would dangerously embolden Trump and weaken Herzog, the writer argues.

Pardoning Netanyahu would weaken Israel, empower Trump's interference - opinion


Netanyahu trial: Hearing opens in Tel Aviv after Tuesday session canceled

Benjamin Netanyahu's trial returns to Case 4000, in which the PM is accused of advancing regulatory benefits worth hundreds of millions of shekels to Shaul Elovitch in exchange for favorable coverage

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 10, 2025.

Will Netanyahu 'heal the nation' if he receives pardon from Herzog? - opinion

Israel deserves a legitimate October 7 inquiry and new elections, amid dramatic efforts to make amends and heal wounds.

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend the dedication of a new rehab center at Hadassah Hospital-Mount Scopus in October. Pardon Netanyahu if he takes substantive steps to unite the nation, says the writer.

Netanyahu's pardon request throws Herzog into thick of Israel’s political divides - opinion

Seeking a pardon before a verdict – particularly when the defendant is the prime minister – creates an extraordinary situation that could destabilize the relations between the branches of government.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court. The pardon mechanism was never intended to serve as an alternative to a criminal trial, states the writer.

Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, but only if he agrees to step aside - opinion

It would be in Israel’s best interests to grant the request on the condition that Netanyahu agrees to finish out his present term and retire from politics. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during the elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, November 25, 2025

Netanyahu pardon decision will be made for 'good of Israel,' Isaac Herzog vows

“It is clear to me that the issue of the pardon is shaking many people in the country; it will be handled in the best possible way," Herzog stated

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog over a backdrop of Netanyahu's presidential pardon request.

Netanyahu trial: Case 4000 questioning resumes despite bombshell pardon request

Prosecutor Tirosh focused questioning on Case 4000 discrepancies, comparing Netanyahu's description of Walla news site during his tenure vs. his current court testimony.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Christian Conference in Jerusalem, on April 27, 2025

Netanyahu's pardon request a 'direct attempt to bypass courts,' scholars warn

Legal experts argue that using presidential clemency before a verdict would overturn long-standing norms that reserve pardons for those who have accepted responsibility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of his testimony in the trial against him, October 28, 2025.

Pardoning Netanyahu is an imperfect - but necessary - end to the PM's long legal saga - comment

Netanyahu’s request for a pardon forces Israel to confront a decade of legal battles and the question of whether extending the trial is in the public's best interest.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, November 10, 2025.

Netanyahu will not step away from Israeli politics for plea deal, intends to run again

Sources close to President Herzog said that a decision on Netanyahu's pardon will take at least two months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset as President Isaac Herzog looks on on November 30, 2025.

Netanyahu's pardon must include admission of guilt, departure from political life, Lapid charges

”You cannot grant Netanyahu a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and an immediate withdrawal from political life," the opposition leader said.

Yair Lapid walks next then-opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, November 8, 2021

How will Netanyahu's dramatic pardon plea play out - and what happens next? - explainer

Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pre-verdict pardon in his corruption trial, setting off a sensitive legal review with major political implications.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial ceremony for Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, July 24, 2025