Netanyahu's request for pardon over corruption sparks debate in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s submission of a pardon request to President Isaac Herzog over his ongoing corruption charges has sparked a fiery debate among politicians, journalists and social media users in Israel. 

The premier, who is facing charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust, submitted a 111-page legal document alongside a personal letter to the president on Sunday. 

Netanyahu said his pardon would be in the "public interest", as it would “bring about reconciliation" in Israel. 

Yet the move appeared to further underscore divisions in Israeli society, as crowds of angry demonstrators, including politicians, gathered outside the president’s residence on Sunday in protest.

Herzog acknowledged on Monday that the application “stirred controversy”, adding that he "will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society."

"Violent discourse does not affect me," he said, referring to the protests and debates triggered by Netanyahu’s request.

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