Israel's Justice Ministry has rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for a pardon in his corruption trial, dealing a blow to his legal strategy and President Trump's intervention. The pardons department determined that granting clemency would be inappropriate while Netanyahu maintains his innocence in the bribery, fraud, and breach of trust case.

Netanyahu, indicted in 2019 on charges of accepting bribes from wealthy media executives and offering official favors for favorable coverage, has denied all allegations. The legal office stated that pardons typically require an admission of guilt, resignation, or conviction. This stance directly contradicts Netanyahu's argument that Israel would benefit from ending the trial so he can focus on national security matters.

The decision comes despite intense pressure from Trump, who recently called Israeli President Isaac Herzog 'weak and pathetic' for not immediately granting the pardon. Herzog has maintained judicial independence, insisting on waiting for formal recommendations before acting. The pardons department acknowledged Trump's concerns about Netanyahu being distracted by legal proceedings but stated it lacked the tools to weigh these considerations against legal precedent.