Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a request to the country's president on Sunday (November 30) for a pardon in his years-long corruption trial, arguing that criminal proceedings were hindering his ability to govern and a pardon would serve the interests of Israeli society.

Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving prime minister, has long denied the bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges. His lawyers said in a letter to the president's office that the prime minister still believed the legal proceedings would result in a complete acquittal.

"My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step," Netanyahu said in a brief video statement released by his political party, Likud.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

UNKNOWN LOCATION (NOVEMBER 30, 2025) (LIKUD PARTY HANDOUT - Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"Dear citizens of Israel. Time and again I was elected in democratic election and received your trust to continue to rule as the prime minister of Israel, to, first and foremost, (allow me) to realise these historic goals. For these reasons, my lawyers filed today a pardon request to the state's president. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"My personal interest was, and still is, to continue with the (legal) process to its end, until a full acquittal in all charges. But the security and political reality, the national interest, those demand otherwise."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"The state of Israel faces great challenges alongside great opportunities. In order to push away the threats and realise the opportunities, a national unity is required. The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from the inside, is stirring heated controversies, intensifies rifts. I am sure, like many others among the people, that the immediate end of the trial will help a lot in lowering the flames and in promoting a wide reconciliation that our country needs so much."