Survey Reveals Half of Israelis Oppose Netanyahu’s Pardon Request

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu faces significant public resistance regarding his recent request for a pardon related to ongoing corruption charges. A survey conducted by the Viterbi Centre for Public Opinion and Policy Research revealed that 50 percent of Israelis oppose granting Netanyahu a pardon that would halt his three criminal proceedings. Only 41 percent of respondents support the idea, highlighting a deeply divided opinion on the issue.

Support for a pardon varies markedly by political affiliation. Among left-leaning voters, only 7 percent favor the pardon, while 20 percent of centrist voters and a substantial 58 percent of right-leaning voters back the request. The survey results, released on October 10, 2023, indicate a complex landscape of public sentiment regarding Netanyahu’s legal challenges and political future.

As the head of state, Yitzhak Herzog holds the exclusive authority to issue pardons. He is expected to meet this week with various prominent activists who oppose the government’s proposed judicial reforms, aiming to discuss the implications of Netanyahu’s pardon request. Some speculate that Herzog may consider granting a pardon in exchange for concessions from Netanyahu that could mitigate the government’s aggressive stance towards the judiciary.

In response to the pardon request, Herzog stated he would “sincerely consider” it, though sources familiar with the matter indicate that a thorough examination could take several weeks. He acknowledged a recent call from former US President Donald Trump, who urged him to issue the pardon, but Herzog emphasized, “Israel, naturally, is a sovereign country.”

Netanyahu, who has been on trial for five years facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, maintains his innocence. He has not shown remorse nor suggested he would resign in exchange for clemency. Instead, Netanyahu argues that a pardon would allow him to better serve Israel’s interests. His legal team asserts that ending the trial could foster “the healing of rifts between different parts of the nation” and enhance national resilience.

The public’s view on Netanyahu’s pardon request is not the only concern. The same survey indicated that a significant majority of Israelis anticipate a military conflict in the near future. Approximately 71 percent expect renewed hostilities with Hizbullah in Lebanon, while 69 percent foresee a confrontation with Iran. Additionally, 53 percent believe that conflict with Hamas may resume, and 47 percent predict tensions with Houthi militants in Yemen.

The political and security landscape in Israel continues to evolve, and Netanyahu’s request for a pardon adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous environment. As discussions unfold, the implications of Herzog’s decision on both Netanyahu’s future and the broader societal divisions in Israel remain to be seen.