Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Feb 15: Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara has not yet begun examining the pardon request submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Justice Ministry clarified on Sunday, dismissing reports that the review process was already underway.
The clarification came after a report by Channel 13 legal correspondent Aviad Glickman claimed that an advisory opinion from the attorney-general was expected within weeks. The report suggested that a document was in advanced stages within the Attorney-General’s Office and would soon be transferred to the State Attorney’s Office before moving to the Justice Ministry’s pardon division.
According to that report, the final legal opinion would eventually be forwarded to the President’s Residence, where Isaac Herzog would decide whether to grant clemency.
However, the Attorney-General’s Office rejected the account.
“The examination process has not yet begun,” the office said in a statement, adding that “any report to the contrary is incorrect.”
The issue is procedurally sensitive, as it involves a sitting prime minister seeking a presidential pardon while his criminal trial is still ongoing.
Under Israeli law, the president has the authority to grant pardons, but this is typically exercised only after receiving recommendations from the Justice Ministry and other relevant legal authorities. The process usually includes a review by the pardon department, consultations with prosecutors, and a legal opinion from the attorney-general.
Although the president’s power is discretionary, it is traditionally used after conviction and sentencing, not during active trial proceedings. Legal experts have noted that granting a pardon at this stage could raise complex constitutional questions, particularly as Netanyahu’s trial remains in the evidentiary phase.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2020 in three separate cases — Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000 — on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He has denied all allegations and described the proceedings as politically motivated.
Case 4000 focuses on claims that Netanyahu advanced regulatory benefits to telecom giant Bezeq in exchange for favourable coverage from the Walla news site. The trial in that case is currently in the cross-examination stage.
Case 2000 involves alleged discussions with Yediot Aharonot publisher Arnon “Noni” Mozes regarding favourable media coverage in return for legislation aimed at restricting a rival newspaper. Proceedings in that case are expected to follow.
The matter resurfaced in December after Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, stating it would be handled according to established legal procedures.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly commented on the issue, urging that Netanyahu be pardoned and criticising delays in processing the request. Over the weekend, Trump intensified his remarks, saying Herzog “should be ashamed” for not granting clemency and seeking clarification on the status of the request.
Herzog has refrained from commenting on the merits of the application, reiterating that any such request would be addressed strictly through proper legal channels.
As of Sunday, officials maintained that no formal review of the pardon request has commenced.