What does Netanyahu’s pardon request mean for Israel’s future?

There are divided reactions to the Israeli prime minister’s pardon request to President Isaac Herzog.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked for a presidential pardon to end the criminal prosecution against him.

He says it will unite the public, but critics say he is driving further division.

So, what are the long-term implications for Israel?

Presenter: Bernard Smith

Guests:

Dan Perry – political analyst

Neve Gordon – professor of human rights and international humanitarian law at Queen Mary University of London

Mitchell Barak – former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu during his time at the Foreign Ministry

Read More

  • Related Posts

    Drone hits Netanyahu’s home as Hezbollah rockets target northern Israel

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s holiday residence in the town of Caesarea hit in drone attack, spokesman says. Israel has launched several air attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs after the Lebanese…

    Netanyahu’s claims before the US Congress: Facts or falsehoods?

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed a joint session of the United States Congress as his country conducts a war on Gaza in which more than 39,000 Palestinians have…

    You Missed

    Family say grandmother’s death after catching Legionnaires’ disease from ‘smelly and off-colour’ hot tub in rented holiday cottage was ‘entirely preventable’

    Family say grandmother’s death after catching Legionnaires’ disease from ‘smelly and off-colour’ hot tub in rented holiday cottage was ‘entirely preventable’

    Racist former soldier who ranted about ‘bowing down to Muslims’ found guilty of murdering his Moroccan-born neighbour

    Racist former soldier who ranted about ‘bowing down to Muslims’ found guilty of murdering his Moroccan-born neighbour

    Football fan and author, 60, dies after falling from ladder while putting up Union Flags on lampposts

    Football fan and author, 60, dies after falling from ladder while putting up Union Flags on lampposts

    Andrew and Fergie come out of exile for palace christening of Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena

    Andrew and Fergie come out of exile for palace christening of Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena

    White couple ‘faked DNA test’ in bid to keep mixed-race baby that was born through surrogate

    White couple ‘faked DNA test’ in bid to keep mixed-race baby that was born through surrogate

    Arrival of 600 new migrants on flotilla of mega-dinghies and inflatables shatters Labour’s claim to be getting a grip on the small boats crisis

    • By poster
    • February 18, 2026
    • 3 views
    Arrival of 600 new migrants on flotilla of mega-dinghies and inflatables shatters Labour’s claim to be getting a grip on the small boats crisis