Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana urges Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in letter with no formal legal basis
Ohana, himself a lawyer, said one of the “chronic failings” of Israel’s justice system is “the dragging out of proceedings,” and called on Herzog to make the “just decision” to pardon Netanyahu.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana has written a letter to President Isaac Herzog urging him to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon. Ohana argues that former attorney-general Avichai Mandelblit's testimony revealed "failures and violations of the law" in the investigation. However, Ohana's letter is not a formal legal request, as he does not have the authority to recommend a pardon.
Ohana emphasizes the importance of addressing these legal issues, stating that they must be resolved beyond mere media reports. He also laments the prolonged proceedings in the justice system. Netanyahu submitted his pardon request in November 2025, which has gone through the Justice Ministry's Pardons Department and been forwarded to Herzog.
While the letter holds some weight, it does not have independent legal effect as anyone can submit a clemency request in Israel. However, it should be noted that Mandelblit's testimony on unauthorized investigative actions is not entirely accurate, as he confirmed approving the investigations. Netanyahu's request for a pardon comes five years after his trial began and before any verdict, making it unprecedented and raising questions about the limits of presidential clemency.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
