Netanyahu asks Herzog for pardon in corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the country's president Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his long-running corruption trial.

"My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step," Netanyahu said.

President Isaac Herzog's office described the request as "extraordinary" with "significant implications". The president "will responsibly and sincerely consider the request" after receiving relevant opinions, his office said.

Herzog's office added the request would be forwarded to the pardons department in the justice ministry, as is standard practice, to collect opinions, which would be submitted to the president's legal adviser, who will formulate a recommendation for the president.

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog this month, urging him to consider granting the prime minister a pardon.