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Setback For Netanyahu In Corruption Case, Israel President Wants Plea Deal
Israel's president said he will consider Netanyahu's pardon request only after efforts to reach a plea deal are exhausted, signaling no decision will come soon. The report also notes mediation for a plea bargain and ongoing court appearances as the trial resumes.
Why It Matters
The president's approach could shape the path to resolution in Netanyahu's corruption case and influence political dynamics ahead of Israel's next elections.
Timeline
9 Events
October 2026: Next ballot due by end of October 2026
October 2026
The next Israeli ballot is due by the end of October 2026.
April 26, 2026: Netanyahu to return to court this week
April 26, 2026
Netanyahu is due to return to court this week as the trial resumes. The trial began in 2020 and he is Israel's first sitting prime minister to be charged with a crime.
April 26, 2026: Herzog spokesman declines comment
April 26, 2026
Herzog's spokesperson declined to comment beyond the statement when asked whether any plea deal bid was underway.
April 26, 2026: NYT reports plea-bargain mediation planned
April 26, 2026
A New York Times report said Herzog planned to initiate mediation for a plea bargain, putting off any pardon decision for now.
April 26, 2026: Herzog says pardon will be considered only after plea-deal efforts are exhausted
April 26, 2026
President Isaac Herzog said he will consider the pardon request only after efforts to reach a plea deal are exhausted, signaling no decision will come soon.
November 2025: Netanyahu submits pardon request
November 2025
Netanyahu submitted a pardon request.
2022: Elections and political cycle
2022
Five rounds of elections took place between 2019 and 2022.
2020: Trial begins
2020
The corruption trial against Netanyahu began in 2020.
2019: Indictment in corruption case
2019
Netanyahu is indicted in a long-running corruption case; investigations began about a decade earlier.