"To repel the threats and to seize those opportunities, national unity is required," Netanyahu stated.
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.
Prime Minister Netanyahu arrives in court to give evidence in his corruption trial on October 28, 2o25 (Flash90)[Missing Credit]
The filing follows the publication of a letter from US President Trump to Herzog, requesting such a pardon for Netanyahu.
"I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister," the letter read.
"[He] is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.
"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".
Following the confirmation that the premier’s request was being considered, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, of Netanyahu’s Likud party, told i24 News: “President Trump said it in a very clear way, I think, and he expressed his opinion and sent a letter.
"And I think now, President Herzog needs to rise to the occasion and make a decision for the good of the security of Israel.
"And if President Herzog doesn’t know how to act for the benefit of Israel and for the nation, for brotherhood and unity, I think that, yes, President Trump may take additional steps and will be forced to intervene.”
Pressed for further clarification, she said this “may include sanctions and other things on senior officials in the judicial system”.
However, the premier's own former lawyer, Micah Fettman, has claimed that a pardon could only be given if Netanyahu admits guilt and shows remorse - something the PM pointedly refused to do.
"A pardon is given to an offender," Fettman told Channel 12.
This was echoed by Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who claimed a pardon should only be on the table if Netanyahu accepts his alleged guilt and retires from political office.
Herzog is due to travel to New York this week to participate in events with Yeshiva University and the American Zionist Movement, though no meeting with Trump is on the agenda.
