Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing a long-running corruption trial, has submitted an official request to the country’s president to pardon him.
In a video statement, Mr Netanyahu, who is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, said ending the process would advance national reconciliation.
President Isaac Herzog’s office said in a statement it was aware “this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications”.
The president will “responsibly and sincerely consider the request” after consulting with “relevant authorities” in the justice and legal departments, the office said.
Earlier this month, Donald Trump sent a letter to Mr Herzog urging him to “fully pardon” Mr Netanyahu.
The US president told Mr Herzog his prime minister had “stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries” and Mr Netanyahu’s “attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted”.
Mr Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, has not yet concluded. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include bribery and fraud.
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He was indicted in 2019 in three cases, including allegations of receiving nearly 700,000 shekels (£166,500) in gifts from business representatives.
The prime minister’s request consists of two documents, the president’s office said – a letter signed by Mr Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, as well as a letter signed by Mr Netanyahu himself.
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