Netanyahu says he will not quit politics if he receives a pardon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he would not retire from politics if he receives a pardon from the country’s president in his years-long corruption trial.

Asked by a reporter whether he planned to leave political life if granted a pardon, Netanyahu replied: “No.”

Last month, Netanyahu asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon. His lawyers argued that the prime minister’s frequent court appearances were hindering his ability to govern and that granting a pardon would serve the country’s interests.

Pardons in Israel are typically granted only after legal proceedings have concluded and the accused has been convicted. There is no precedent for issuing a pardon mid-trial.