Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that he will not retire from politics, even if he receives a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial. When questioned by a reporter during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu responded with an emphatic “No” regarding both a potential retirement and the possibility of entering into a plea bargain.
This response comes on the heels of Netanyahu’s recent request for a pardon submitted to President Isaac Herzog. Herzog’s office confirmed the receipt of this extraordinary request, noting that it carries significant implications. The office indicated that after gathering relevant opinions, the president would consider the request responsibly and sincerely.
Netanyahu faces charges in three separate corruption cases, which he has consistently denied. During the press conference, the prime minister also addressed issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, revealing a stark divergence in views with Chancellor Merz. He stated, “We have a different point of view, obviously, because the purpose of a Palestinian state is to destroy the one and only Jewish state.” He further asserted that Israel would not establish a state “committed to our destruction at our doorstep.”
Chancellor Merz reiterated Germany’s support for a two-state solution and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Holocaust memorials, emphasizing the importance of historical remembrance.
The developments in Netanyahu’s legal situation and the ongoing discussions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict highlight the complex political landscape in the region. With significant implications for both domestic and international politics, the coming weeks will be critical for Netanyahu as he navigates these challenges amidst his legal battles.