Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected suggestions that he may retire from politics if granted a pardon in his corruption trial.
Asked by a reporter whether he would retire from political life should he receive a pardon, the premier replied: “No.” He gave the same response when asked whether he was open to a plea bargain.
Last month, the prime minister submitted a request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog, the head of state confirmed.
"The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications," Herzog's office stated at the time.
"After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request," it added.
Netanyahu faces corruption charges in three separate cases. He denies any wrongdoing.
The prime minister made the comments during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, where the two leaders publicly disagreed on the issue of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu said: “We have a different point of view, obviously, because the purpose of a Palestinian state is to destroy the one and only Jewish state.”
He added that Israel would not create a state “committed to our destruction at our doorstep.”
Merz reaffirmed Germany’s support for a two-state solution and also confirmed Germany's commitment to Holocaust memorial.
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