Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country’s President, Isaac Herzog, to pardon him, over longstanding corruption charges.
Netanyahu has been on trial for the past five years, accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate criminal cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.
President Hertzog’s office issued a statement saying it was an “extraordinary request” and the president would seek opinions from justice officials before considering a decision “which carries with it significant implications”.
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Israel’s political opposition said Mr Netanyahu should admit guilt before seeking a pardon. Mr Netanyahu is a controversial figure in Israel, with political opponents accusing him of promoting continuing conflict in Gaza and the wider region, in order to delay a reckoning at the polls and in the criminal court proceedings.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump urged President Herzog to “fully pardon” Mr Netanyahu.
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by James Cook in Jerusalem.
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