JERUSALEM — Israeli President Isaac Herzog extended an invitation Tuesday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and government prosecutors, hoping to facilitate settlement discussions that could resolve the corruption charges pending against the country’s leader.
Herzog’s office sent the invitation several days after declaring he would not make an immediate decision on Netanyahu’s pardon request, choosing instead to encourage both parties to pursue a negotiated resolution.
The formal invitation, bearing the signature of Herzog’s legal adviser, stated the president’s belief that settlement negotiations “must be exhausted first” before any pardon consideration could move forward. The document expressed hope for discussions conducted “with an open heart and sincere, good intention” and requested responses by Sunday.
In November, Netanyahu petitioned Herzog to halt his trial, arguing that dismissing the criminal charges would promote national unity. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Herzog to bring the proceedings to an end.
The prime minister faces charges including breach of trust, fraud, and bribery across three distinct cases that allege he traded political favors with wealthy business partners. Netanyahu maintains his innocence on all counts.
The legal proceedings have stretched across six years, creating deep divisions among Israeli citizens. Netanyahu and his allies maintain he has become the target of a coordinated political attack orchestrated by media outlets, law enforcement, and judicial officials.
Neither Netanyahu’s representatives nor the attorney general’s office provided immediate responses to the invitation.
