Sources: 
Israeli President
Isaac Herzog has officially decided against immediately pardoning
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to significant political pressures, opting instead to prioritize mediation for a plea deal.
"The President therefore believes that before addressing the pardon request itself, efforts should first be exhausted to reach an agreement between the parties, outside the courtroom," Herzog stated on Sunday. His decision follows Netanyahu's submission of a pardon request in
November, coinciding with Netanyahu's ongoing trial for
bribery, fraud, and breach of trust that has stirred deep divisions within the Israeli public.
Herzog's preference for dispute resolution through negotiation stems from the legal complexities surrounding the pardon process, which has no precedent mid-trial in Israel. Meanwhile, political factions remain polarized, with supporters advocating for Netanyahu's relief and opponents opposing any potential pardon.
Now, with Herzog sidelining the pardon for the foreseeable future, he is focusing on facilitating negotiation talks between Netanyahu and the
Attorney General, seeking to maximize a consensual exit from the drawn-out legal saga. As tensions mount, the outcomes of these discussions will be critical in shaping the political landscape ahead of future elections.
Sources: Israeli President Isaac Herzog has postponed his decision on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pardon request amidst intense political pressure, opting instead to pursue mediation for a plea deal. Herzog emphasized that reaching a consensus between parties is the preferred route to resolving the longstanding legal issues facing Netanyahu.
