Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country's President, Isaac Herzog, for a pardon over corruption cases he has been battling.
The president's office said Herzog would receive opinions from justice officials before considering the request, which carries significant implications.
Netanyahu has been standing trial for the past five years on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He denies wrongdoing.
In a video message, he stated that he would have preferred to see the process to the end but acknowledged that national interest demanded otherwise.
The Israeli opposition argues he should admit guilt before seeking a pardon.
Earlier this month, former US President Donald Trump urged Herzog to fully pardon Netanyahu. At that time, Herzog clarified that anyone seeking a pardon had to submit a formal request.
On Sunday, his office released the request and a letter by Netanyahu himself, underlining the importance and implications of this extraordinary appeal. However, there was no indication of when Herzog might reach a decision.
Netanyahu, the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial, faces allegations linked to receiving gifts from businessmen in exchange for favorable decisions, among other charges he categorically denies.
In response to his request for a pardon, opposition leaders like Yair Lapid have contended that it should not be granted without an admission of guilt from Netanyahu.
According to Israel's Basic Law, the president can issue pardons before a conviction if it serves the public interest or under extreme personal circumstances. Netanyahu's supporters in the Likud party advocate for a pardon, while many on the left express concerns about its implications for democracy and the legal system in Israel.
The request for a pardon comes amidst widespread protests regarding governmental judicial reforms and public dissatisfaction with the handling of the ongoing war with Hamas.
