Will Netanyahu survive the upcoming elections? Or will his legal battles see him out?
Netanyahu’s political vision may not align with that of his president. His way of governing may also not be the president’s most favorable. But each of their offices has its role within the Israeli governing system.
President Isaac Herzog of Israel does not want to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There has been room for Herzog to issue a presidential pardon for the years Netanyahu has had cases running in court. Yet he has hesitated to do so. For every office holder, there is always a legacy to consider.
Will such a pardon, if given, be considered fair, morally right, or even a good precedent?
Netanyahu’s Legal Battles
76-year-old Netanyahu, a member of Israel’s Likud Party, has faced several court cases. The three, still running, are, however, interrelated. They include bribery and fraud. There is also a breach of trust. These cases have been in court for around six years.
One of the accusations against Netanyahu is that he and his family received gifts from wealthy people and, in return, arranged favors for those benefactors.
The Prime Minister has always denied those accusations, attributing the suits to a political witch hunt from his liberal political rivals.
President Herzog, who came into office in 2021, has refrained from intervening in any way. He could have issued a presidential pardon, but he has not. For that, the US President, who is known to make undiplomatic comments about leadership in other countries, has criticized him. President Donald Trump has termed the Israeli president “weak”, “disgraceful”, and “pathetic”.
The Most Politically Damaging Case
Netanyahu’s corruption court case seems the most politically damaging of all he has been accused of in the past. It gives his political opponents ammunition to use against him in political campaigns.
It is for this reason that his friend, US President Donald Trump, has tried to secure his pardon.
Analysts think President Herzog may try to encourage a mediation process. Instead of the pardon Netanyahu has requested, Herzog may try alternative means of resolution, they reckon.
Ultimately, the analysts conclude, the Israeli president will act within the law, in Israel’s best interest, and guided by his conscience.
Benjamin Netanyahu assumed office in December 2022, but his party is in a coalition with smaller conservative parties. These include Noam, Shas, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism, and United Torah Judaism.
Whereas members of the ruling coalition would generally like to see the Prime Minister pardoned, the rest of Israel is opposed to such a pardon.
Why is it a Bad Time to Consider a Pardon
Whether to pardon the Prime Minister is not an easy decision for President Isaac Herzog. Besides his conscience and legacy, he has to consider what influence that would have on the next elections, expected in October 2026.
Besides, some unpalatable things have happened under Netanyahu’s leadership. Hence, the President might wish the Israelis to gauge the bad against the good as they make future political choices.
Also, the political atmosphere in Israel is unusually tense. This is because a lot is going on in the region. Therefore, the president may not wish to exercise any undue influence. Among the sensitive issues going on is the war in Gaza and the attacks on Iran and Lebanon.