Netanyahu says he would reject pardon if it means admitting guilt

"Isaac, we have established a great relationship, one that I am very thankful for and honoured by...it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all."

While emphasising that he "absolutely respects the independence of the Israeli Justice System", Trump rubbished the charges against Netanyahu as "political, unjustified prosecution".

However, under the established procedure to secure a pardon, the person receiving it must admit their guilt and express remorse for their illegal actions.

And Netanyahu has now confirmed that he will not do so, given that he has long maintained his innocence.

"That’s not going to happen. Nobody suggests that that’s what I’ll do, and I certainly won’t do that," he said.

In an interview with Erin Molan, he also hit out at the charges against him, adding: “This trial is so absurd...It hurts both American and Israeli interests, which is also what [Trump] said.

"My time has to be free to pursue the things that will determine Israel’s future and the future of peace in the Middle East.”

And the 76-year-old confirmed that he plans to run for another term as prime minister.

"The answer is yes, and the second answer is also yes, but the people who will determine that are the people.

“I have tremendous opposition, not very big, by the way, but funded with billions of dollars by foreign NGOs, by foreign governments, and so on. I keep winning all the time. But I win because the people decide.”

Israel’s next elections must be held by October 2026, with the latest reports suggesting that the coalition is lining up a date in May as a potential polling day.

Current opinion polls vary quite widely, with some showing Netanyahu retaining a clear majority. On average, though, they suggest that the current coalition would either be forced into minority government or replaced altogether.