President to consider Israel's 'best interests' on Netanyahu pardon

Israeli president Isaac Herzog said Monday he won't be influenced by "violent discourse" when he considers prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for a pardon on corruption charges.

The issue is "clearly provoking debate and is deeply unsettling for many people in the country, across different communities. I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society," Herzog said in a statement.

"One thing is clear to me: violent discourse does not influence me, on the contrary, respectful discourse provokes discussion and stimulates dialogue, and I invite the Israeli public to come to the president's house, the people's house, to express their opinion and respond accordingly," he added.