Israeli Leader Seeks Presidential Pardon Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

In a surprising move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked President Isaac Herzog to pardon him in his ongoing corruption trial. This request is highly unusual because the trial is still happening. It came shortly after former U. S. President Donald Trump wrote to President Herzog, asking for the same thing. The president's office called this request "extraordinary" and said it would think carefully about it. They will ask experts for advice before making a decision. Netanyahu believes that stopping the trial would help bring the country together. However, many people think this request is making the divisions in Israeli society even worse, especially with the ongoing war and tensions with the judiciary. Netanyahu was charged in 2019 with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The cases involve accusations that he traded favors with wealthy businesspeople for gifts and positive media coverage. In a video, Netanyahu explained that he would rather prove his innocence in court. But he said the country's needs are more important right now.