Tel Aviv, 30 November 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing trial on charges of corruption, has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, Herzog's office revealed on Sunday.

Letters had been received from both Netanyahu and his lawyer, the presidential office said. The request would now be forwarded to the relevant Justice Ministry department, which would collect opinions from all the relevant authorities, it said.

Herzog's legal advisory team would then reach an opinion.

"The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications. After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request," Herzog's office said.

In mid-November, Herzog's office published a letter from US President Donald Trump calling for a pardon. Trump wrote that while he respected the independence of the Israeli courts, he believed that the charges against the prime minister were politically motivated and not justified.

When addressing the Israeli parliament in mid-October, Trump called on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.

Netanyahu's trial has been going on for more than five years. He stands accused of accepting luxury gifts - jewellery, cigars and pink champagne - worth roughly €174,000 ($201,300) from billionaire associates.

Netanyahu has repeatedly denied all charges, calling the case a "witch hunt."

MIA file photo