Israeli premier appears in court for first time since seeking pardon in corruption case

TEL AVIV (MNTV) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared at the Tel Aviv District Court on Monday for the first time since formally requesting a pardon from President Isaac Herzog in his long-running corruption trial.

On Sunday, Netanyahu submitted a plea to President Herzog seeking clemency from the corruption charges that have dogged him for years.

The move stirred debate in Israel, with opponents insisting that any pardon should require Netanyahu to acknowledge wrongdoing and withdraw from political life.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that Monday’s court session proceeded “without the judges addressing the pardon request.”

The broadcaster added that Netanyahu requested the cancellation of his scheduled appearance on Tuesday, citing his “diplomatic and security schedule.” Judges said they would review the request.

Netanyahu has frequently sought to postpone or shorten court appearances, citing travel, security concerns, political duties, and his involvement in Israel’s two-year military campaign in Gaza.

His trial, which began on May 24, 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has appeared as a criminal defendant in the country’s history.

Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases, all of which he denies.

In addition to domestic charges, Netanyahu also faces allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over actions in Gaza, where more than 70,000 people—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023.