Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog to end ongoing corruption trials against him. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, face allegations of receiving luxury gifts worth over $260,000 from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors, as well as seeking favorable media coverage in separate cases. Netanyahu argued that the prolonged legal proceedings are harming both him and the country, citing the burden of frequent court appearances. Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the pardon request, calling it an extraordinary appeal that will be reviewed carefully. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly sent a letter urging Herzog to grant Netanyahu clemency. The 76-year-old leader, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism for his controversial judicial reform proposals, which triggered mass protests before subsiding amid the Gaza conflict in late 2023.