Netanyahu corruption case: Herzog invites talks with prosecutors to seek settlement before pardon

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and government prosecutors to his residence to pursue a settlement in the long-running corruption case. The invitation follows Herzog’s decision not to rule immediately on Netanyahu’s pardon request, saying negotiations should be tried first. Netanyahu denies charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery.

Israel’s president invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and state prosecutors to talks at the official residence. The move aimed to seek a settlement in Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial. President Isaac Herzog’s office said the talks could help resolve the case. Officials also set a deadline for the sides to reply by Sunday.

The invitation followed Herzog’s decision not to rule yet on Netanyahu’s pardon request. Herzog instead urged both sides to try a settlement first. The letter was signed by Herzog’s legal adviser. It said the president wanted all efforts at agreement tried before considering any pardon request.

Netanyahu trial settlement and pardon request

The invitation letter said the planned discussions should happen "with an open heart and sincere, good intention\". It asked for a response by Sunday. Herzog’s office framed the meeting as a step to test whether a settlement was possible. The effort came days after the president publicly shifted focus to talks.

Netanyahu asked Herzog in November to cancel the trial. Netanyahu argued that ending the case would help unify the country. The report also said US President Donald Trump has made multiple appeals to Herzog to end the trial. Herzog has not agreed to cancel the proceedings.

Netanyahu trial charges and public split

Netanyahu faces charges of breach of trust, fraud and accepting bribes. The allegations relate to three separate cases. Prosecutors accuse Netanyahu of trading favours with wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies all charges. The trial has continued for six years and has remained a major political issue.

The case has sharply divided the Israeli public for years. Netanyahu and supporters say Netanyahu is facing a politically motivated witch hunt. They claim the media, police and prosecutors targeted Netanyahu unfairly. Others argue the court process should continue without interference. The report described the dispute as bitter and prolonged.

There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu’s office. There was also no immediate comment from the attorney general’s office. The president’s invitation still sought to bring both sides to the same table. Any next steps depended on whether they accepted the offer by Sunday.

With inputs from PTI