Netanyahu requests pardon amid ongoing corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Israel’s president to pardon him amid a long-running corruption case that has bitterly divided the country.

The prime minister’s office said in a statement on Sunday that Netanyahu had submitted a request for clemency to the Presidential Legal Office.

The president’s office called it an “extraordinary request” that brought with it “significant consequences.”

Netanyahu became the only prime minister in Israeli history to be prosecuted after being accused of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy political supporters.

He hasn’t been convicted of anything yet.

The request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump called on Israel to pardon Netanyahu.

In a videotaped statement, Netanyahu said the case had divided the country and that the amnesty would help restore national unity.

He also said having to appear in court three times a week was a distraction that made it difficult for him to govern the country.

Netanyahu’s request consisted of two documents: a detailed letter signed by his lawyer and a letter signed by Netanyahu himself.

They will be sent to the ministry of justice for comments and will then be transferred to the Presidential Legal Advisor, who will prepare additional comments to the president.