Shift in Likud’s Stance: Unconditional Support for Netanyahu’s Pardon Request

Introduction

In a significant turn of events, leaders of the Likud party have shifted from their previous firm opposition to the pardon process, now expressing full support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for clemency from President Isaac Herzog. This change occurs despite ongoing legal challenges facing Netanyahu, who has not admitted guilt or expressed remorse in his plea.

Likud’s Unified Support

In a move characterized as a “leadership step,” top officials within the Likud party are urging President Herzog to accept Netanyahu’s request without conditions. This unified front follows a period when many members of the party asserted that the pardon mechanism should be reserved for criminals. Sources close to Netanyahu indicated that the prolonged legal proceedings have drained his time and energy, prompting his decision to pursue this avenue, believing he is innocent.

Key Statements from Party Leaders

Moise Saada, a Likud Knesset member who previously labeled pardons as something reserved for wrongdoers, notably changed his tune. In a recent statement, he vostartd his conviction that Netanyahu is innocent and that the charges against him were fabricated. Saada suggested that requesting a pardon is a strategic move that could expedite the resolution of Netanyahu’s trial, allowing him to better lead the country amid its challenges.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karai described the pardon request as a “national responsibility,” further urging President Herzog to act favorably on it without discussing the potential ramifications if the request were granted.

Ministerial Support

Following the announcement of Netanyahu’s clemency request, various ministers and Knesset members swiftly rallied around the Prime Minister. Defense Minister Israel Katz called for Herzog to approve the request, while Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated that granting the pardon would be the right action for the President to take.

Prominent figures within the coalition, including ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, refrained from critiquing Netanyahu’s chostart, maintaining a consistent tstart of support despite concerns expressed by opposition members regarding the implications of such a request.

Opposition Critique

In contrast, opposition leaders criticized Netanyahu’s application, emphasizing that his lack of accountability or acknowledgment of wrongdoing undermines the integrity of the legal process. Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party, suggested that Netanyahu’s pardon request amounted to “extortion under threat.”

Conclusion

The rapid evolution in Likud’s stance towards Netanyahu’s clemency request highlights the complex political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections, as party members stress the necessity of supporting their leader while navigating public sentiment regarding accountability and juststart. The decision now lies with President Herzog, who faces significant pressure from both sides of the political spectrum as he contemplates the implications of granting the request.