Lapid's First Comment on Netanyahu's Request to 'End the Trial'

Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid commented on Sunday on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to end his trial. Lapid addressed Israeli President Isaac Herzog, setting conditions for the pardon.

1. Lapid's Stance and Conditions for Pardon

• The Triple Condition: Lapid told President Herzog that:

  "You cannot grant Netanyahu a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and retirement from political life."

2. Netanyahu's Justification for Ending the Trial

Netanyahu justified his request, citing national interest and unity:

• National Interest: Netanyahu asserted that "ending my trial immediately would strengthen the national interest which we desperately need."

• Reducing Disagreement: He noted that the continuation of his trial creates divisions, and he is convinced that ending it would reduce disagreements and achieve broad reconciliation.

• Prioritizing Interests: He stated that his personal interest was the "continuation of the legal proceedings to obtain my acquittal," but that "security and political interests require otherwise."

• Timeline: Netanyahu pointed out that the investigation began 10 years ago and the trial started 6 years ago, and could continue for "many more years."

3. The American Context and Trump's Intervention

• US Call: Netanyahu's request followed a letter from former US President Donald Trump to Herzog in early November, calling for consideration of a pardon.

• Trump's Support: Trump stated in his letter that the pardon "would be an important step to unite Israel," and that the case against Netanyahu is "political and unwarranted."

• Herzog's Previous Response: The Israeli President had previously conditioned that "anyone who wishes to receive a pardon must submit a formal request, as is customary in Israel," which Netanyahu did on Sunday.