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The New York Times reported on April 26, 2026, that Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided against pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the foreseeable future, and is instead pursuing a plea deal arrangement to bring an end to the years-long legal and political impasse.
According to the report, Herzog indicated in recent internal consultations that a direct pardon for Netanyahu would trigger significant controversy within Israeli society and could further deepen an already fractured political landscape. Instead, the President’s Office is engaged in informal communications with Netanyahu’s legal team and prosecutors, exploring the possibility of reaching a plea agreement.
The specific details of the proposed plea deal have not been made public, but sources familiar with the matter suggest the arrangement could involve Netanyahu pleading to lesser charges in exchange for more serious accusations being dropped. Such arrangements are not common in Israel’s legal system, but if reached, this could become one of the most politically consequential legal settlements in the country’s history.
Netanyahu faces multiple charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. These charges stem from several separate cases involving media regulation, business transactions, and government appointments. Netanyahu has consistently denied all allegations, characterizing them as a “political witch hunt.”
Herzog’s decision is believed to be influenced by several factors. First, public opposition to a pardon within Israel is strong, with multiple polls showing that a majority of Israeli citizens do not support the President exercising his pardon power. Second, Israel’s tradition of judicial independence makes pardoning a sitting prime minister a matter of considerable constitutional controversy. Additionally, international allies have expressed concerns about the state of the rule of law in Israel, and a pardon could damage the country’s reputation on the global stage.
Analysts note that if a plea deal is ultimately reached, it will have profound implications for Israel’s political landscape. On one hand, it could help Netanyahu move past legal disputes and focus on national security matters, including the complex situation currently unfolding across the Middle East. On the other hand, opposition parties may view this as a weakening of judicial accountability, potentially intensifying political polarization.
Israeli legal experts are divided on the issue. Some scholars argue that plea bargains are a legitimate and common method of resolving criminal cases and should not be excluded based on the defendant’s political status. However, critics warn that employing a plea deal in such a high-profile political case could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the judicial system.
Currently, the Israeli President’s Office has declined to comment on specific negotiation details, stating only that “the President is carefully considering all legal options.” Netanyahu’s Office did not directly respond to the report, saying only that “the Prime Minister will continue to defend his innocence through legal channels.”
Source: The New York Times, Google News