Netanyahu must be pardoned as Israel's security reality 'more complex than ever,' Katz says

Netanyahu must be pardoned as Israel's security reality 'more complex than ever,' Katz says

KESHET NEEV

Sun, November 30, 2025 at 1:20 PM UTC

2 min read

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem. March 6, 2023. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the pardon necessary as Israel faces a "more complex security reality than ever before."

Ministers and politicians in Israel's coalition welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Sunday submission of a formal request for a presidential pardon in his ongoing trial to President Isaac Herzog.

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the pardon necessary as Israel faces a "more complex security reality than ever before."

"Old enemies are trying to rebuild their strength, while new forces in the region are rising with the goal of threatening the security of Israel’s citizens," he said.

"Granting a pardon, as the President of the United States also noted, is the only way to end the deep divide that has accompanied Israeli society for nearly a decade, and to allow the country to come together again in the face of the challenges and opportunities ahead," Katz said.

President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak at an event at the President's residence in Jerusalem, May 1, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Herzog granting Netanyahu a pardon would be an 'act of great magnitude'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that the pardon for Netanyahu "is critical for the security of the state."

"The reform of the judicial system, and especially of the corrupt and bloated State Attorney’s Office that fabricated the cases against Netanyahu, is critical for the security of the state," he said.

Coalition whip Ofir Katz (Likud) said the decision to request a pardon "is an act of great magnitude."

"It is clear to everyone that the most political trial is collapsing, and the prime minister could easily have proven his innocence in this corrupt witch hunt. But for the sake of healing the country and reconciliation, he is choosing this path. A true leader who always puts the good of the country before his personal interests."

Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar said, “it’s time to free Israel from the saga of Netanyahu’s trial that is tearing the nation apart.”

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