Title: Isaac Herzog Declines to Address Pardon Request in Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided not to grant a pardon request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, opting instead to encourage a plea deal as a path toward national unity.

The decision, announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026, comes after Netanyahu formally requested clemency in November 2025, arguing that the trial was disrupting governance and deepening political divisions in Israel. Herzog’s office confirmed that the president believes pursuing a settlement outside the courtroom is the appropriate course of action before considering any pardon.

According to Herzog’s statement, reported by The New York Times and confirmed by the President’s Residence, he views reaching an agreement between the parties as a correct solution that could help heal societal rifts. The president emphasized that any potential pardon would be subject to judicial review and risks intensifying the already heated public debate surrounding the case.

Netanyahu has faced corruption charges for nearly six years, with the trial requiring frequent court appearances that he claims interfere with his duties, particularly regarding national security matters such as the ongoing conflict with Iran. In his pardon request, Netanyahu did not admit guilt but argued that halting the trial would allow him to focus on state affairs and promote national reconciliation.

Herzog has resisted external pressure to issue a pardon, including public criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who in March 2026 called the Israeli president a “disgrace” for delaying the decision and falsely claimed Herzog had promised to pardon Netanyahu—a claim denied by the President’s Residence.

The corruption case against Netanyahu remains one of the most closely watched legal and political developments in Israel, involving allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes. While the trial continues, Herzog’s push for a plea deal reflects an effort to resolve the matter through negotiation rather than prolonged courtroom proceedings.

As of April 26, 2026, no plea agreement has been finalized, and the president has urged both sides to exhaust mediation efforts before any further action on clemency is considered.