Netanyahu seeks pardon from Herzog amid ongoing corruption trial

According to Israel's presidential pardon site, in order for the president to grant a pardon, one must offer the following reasons as to why it should be granted: "Circumstances of the offence, special personal and familial circumstances, medical reasons, social reasons, economic status, rehabilitation process, contributions to society (military service, volunteering work, special accomplishments), and new circumstances since the verdict."

In a video statement released shortly after Herzog's announcement, Netanyahu said that his "personal interest has been, and remains, to continue the process until the end, until full acquittal on all charges.

"However, the security and diplomatic reality, the national interest, demand otherwise," the premier continued. "The State of Israel faces enormous challenges, and alongside them, tremendous opportunities.

"To repel the threats and to seize those opportunities, national unity is required," Netanyahu stated.

He added: "The continuation of the trial tears us apart from within, fuels this division and deepens the rifts."

According to the prime minister, putting an immediate end to the thrice-weekly court sessions "will greatly help lower the flames and advance the broad reconciliation our country so desperately needs.

"I expect that all those who place the good of the country above all will support this step," the two-and-a-half-minute statement concluded.

Herzog announced earlier this month that he had received a letter from US President Donald Trump requesting a full pardon for Netanyahu.

In the missive, Trump said that, while he respects the independence and requirements of the Israeli judicial system, he believed the case against Netanyahu was a "political, unjustified prosecution".

He added that it was “time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending lawfare once and for all."

Herzog responded to the letter, stressing to Trump that "anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures."