Netanyahu Rejects Pardon-for-Retirement Deal Amid Corruption Trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly declared on Sunday, December 7, 2025, that he would not retire from politics in exchange for a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial. He also stated he is not interested in a plea bargain, asserting that his political future rests solely with the voters.

This definitive statement was made during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was on a two-day visit to Israel. The declaration followed intense speculation regarding Netanyahu's legal standing and political longevity.

Speculation had mounted after reports indicated that Netanyahu formally requested a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog last week. The request, submitted around November 30, 2025, did not include an admission of guilt for the charges he faces.

President Herzog acknowledged the "extraordinary" nature of the pardon request, stating he would consider only the "good of the country" in his decision-making process. His office confirmed the request would undergo review by the Justice Ministry and his legal adviser.

Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases, which have been ongoing since his indictment in 2019. He has consistently denied all allegations, labeling the legal proceedings a "witch-hunt" orchestrated by his political opponents.

The Prime Minister's rejection of a deal to exit politics comes amidst significant public and political debate within Israel. Critics argue that a pardon without an admission of guilt would undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for public officials.

His stance also highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society concerning his leadership and the integrity of the nation's institutions. The outcome of his trial and any potential pardon could significantly shape Israel's political landscape in the coming years.

• The corruption trial against Benjamin Netanyahu, which commenced in May 2020, involves three distinct cases: Case 1000 (Gifts Affair), Case 2000 (Yedioth Ahronoth), and Case 4000 (Bezeq). These cases allege bribery, fraud, and breach of trust related to receiving illicit gifts, seeking favorable media coverage, and granting regulatory benefits in exchange for personal gain.
• Netanyahu formally submitted a 111-page pardon request to President Isaac Herzog around November 30, 2025, without admitting guilt. He argued that ending the trial would "lower the flames" and promote national reconciliation, allowing him to focus on critical national affairs.
• President Herzog has indicated that his decision on the pardon will be guided solely by Israel's "best interests," as reported by The Hindu on December 1, 2025. His office considers the request "extraordinary" and will involve consultations with the Justice Ministry and legal advisors before a final determination.
• The concept of a presidential pardon in Israel typically applies post-conviction. Legal experts, according to pbs News on December 1, 2025, note that a pre-conviction pardon, especially for a politician without an admission of guilt, is "extremely rare" and would be largely unprecedented, with only one notable exception in 1986.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Israel on December 6-7, 2025, served to reaffirm bilateral ties and discuss the Gaza peace plan, as reported by The Jewish Chronicle on December 7, 2025. Merz, who became Chancellor in May 2025, met with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, emphasizing Germany's commitment to Israel's security.
• The ongoing trial has faced numerous delays, attributed to political crises, regional conflicts, and requests from Netanyahu's legal team, as detailed by PBS News on December 1, 2025. These delays have fueled public frustration and accusations that the Prime Minister is prolonging the process to remain in power.
• Public opinion in Israel is sharply divided regarding a potential pardon for Netanyahu. A survey conducted for Zman Yisrael, cited by The Times of Israel on December 7, 2025, indicated that a majority of Israelis (53.2%) oppose granting a presidential pardon without an admission of guilt or remorse.
• Former US President Donald Trump publicly urged President Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in October and November 2025, even sending a letter calling the case "political, unjustified prosecution." President Herzog, however, stressed Israel's sovereignty and the independence of its legal system in response to such external pressure, according to Anadolu Ajansı on December 7, 2025.