Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally petitioned President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his prolonged corruption case, claiming the move serves the “public interest.”

The request, submitted Thursday and made public on Sunday, marks a significant shift for Netanyahu. For years, he has insisted the indictments would “collapse” and that he would clear his name in court. Despite the pardon plea, the one-page letter contains no admission of guilt and no indication of plans regarding his political future. Netanyahu has continuously denied accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

In the letter to Herzog, Netanyahu argued that the proceedings against him have evolved into “a focal point of fierce controversy,” adding that he bears “broad public and more responsibility, with an understanding of the overall ramifications of these events.” While acknowledging that it remains in his “personal interest” to fight the charges in court, he asserted that “the public interest dictates otherwise.”

Herzog’s office confirmed that the president, who alone holds the authority to grant pardons, had received Netanyahu’s request and would “consider it with great care and responsibility.”

Netanyahu framed the pardon appeal as part of a broader effort to stabilize the country. “Faced with the security challenges and diplomatic opportunities currently before the State of Israel, I am committed to do everything in my power to heal the rifts, achieve national unity, and restore public trust in the state’s institutions,” he wrote, adding, “and I expect all branches of government to do the same.”

Opposition leaders quickly condemned the request, accusing Netanyahu of deepening divisions within Israel, particularly with Arab citizens and the political left, and of perpetuating the Gaza conflict for political advantage.

Yair Lapid, head of the opposition, urged Herzog to dismiss the pardon request unless Netanyahu accepts responsibility. “You cannot grant Netanyahu a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and an immediate withdrawal from political life,” Lapid said in a video message.

Yair Golan, who leads the left-wing Democrats party, was similarly blunt. Posting on X, he wrote, “Only someone guilty asks for a pardon. After eight years of trial, when the cases against him have not collapsed, Netanyahu is now asking for a pardon.”

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s allies defended him. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir endorsed the plea, calling it “critical for the security for the security of the state.”

The case also drew attention from abroad. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump sent his own letter to Herzog, urging him to forgive Netanyahu whom Trump described as one of his strongest international supporters. “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace,” Trump wrote, according to a statement released by the Israeli presidency.