Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself at the most critical juncture of his political career, having formally requested presidential clemency on November 30 as he faces corruption charges that could end his decades-long dominance of Israeli politics.
According to Mohammed Najib, writing for Al Majalla, Netanyahu's request has caused "a constitutional and political earthquake" that threatens to reshape Israel's balance of power and revive long-standing debates over executive authority. The 75-year-old prime minister faces three separate cases: Case 4000, involving bribery allegations in the Bezeq-Walla affair that could carry five to ten years imprisonment; Case 2000, concerning negotiations for favorable media coverage; and Case 1000, involving gifts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from wealthy businessmen.
The controversy intensified following US President Donald Trump's intervention during his October 13 visit to the Knesset, where he voiced support for granting Netanyahu a pardon. The remarks sparked fierce condemnation as interference in Israel's judiciary and prompted thousands of Israelis to pour into the streets of West Jerusalem, denouncing what they viewed as a direct threat to democratic order.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog now faces an unprecedented dilemma. While the Israeli president holds one of the broadest pardon powers in parliamentary systems, significant constraints exist. No pardon may be granted before a trial's conclusion except under exceptional circumstances, and the attorney general must advise that clemency would not undermine the rule of law. Legal experts argue that granting a pardon before conviction would breach the integrity of justice and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
The protests have drawn participants beyond the traditional left, including segments of the religious middle class, highlighting the erosion of Netanyahu's social legitimacy. Meanwhile, elements of the secular right now view him as an electoral liability.
Herzog reportedly faces four possible scenarios: outright rejection requiring Netanyahu to admit guilt and withdraw from politics; conditional clemency demanding his retirement; broader concessions such as establishing an inquiry into the October 7, 2023 events; or requiring withdrawal of controversial judicial reform bills.
A prominent Israeli legal expert told Al Majalla that Netanyahu "has realised during the last 10 sessions of his trial, after hearing witnesses and reviewing the evidence against him, that he is heading toward conviction and prison."
The situation has drawn concern from the broader American establishment, with senior Israeli figures noting that Washington does not wish to see a close ally's prime minister evade trial through presidential pardon. Officials fear such a move could severely damage US confidence in Israel's judicial independence.
Unlike former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was imprisoned on corruption charges, Netanyahu is the first Israeli leader to seek clemency before trial conclusion. Whether clemency is granted or denied, Israel faces a defining test between the rule of law and political survival—a trial that will shape the nation's democratic institutions for years to come.
Photo: Manus AI