The message stated: “With my full respect for the independence of the Israeli judicial system, I believe that this case against Bibi (Netanyahu), who fought alongside me for a long time, including against Iran, is an unjustified political persecution,” according to the Times of Israel. He avoided taking a direct stance, confirming in a statement from his office that “anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request according to established procedures.” It is noted that he leads the Likud party, one of the largest right-wing parties in Israel, and has spent the longest period as Prime Minister of Israel, holding the position for over 18 years since 1996, but in separate terms, with the current term being the third.
The Likud party won the recent Knesset elections with 32 seats, and its allies from the Haredi parties secured 18 seats, while the religious Zionist alliance gained 14 seats, a record number for the far-right stream. Netanyahu’s trial in these cases began in May 2020, where he denies the charges against him, claiming they are a “political campaign aimed at overthrowing him.” In addition to his local trial, on November 21, 2024, a warrant was issued for Netanyahu’s arrest on charges of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza.
