Israel

Latest News

Netanyahu Asks Israel’s President to Pardon Him in Corruption Cases - The New York Times

Benjamin Netanyahu seeks pardon from Israel's president - BBC

Former Netanyahu lawyer says president cannot pardon PM without an admission of guilt - The Times of Israel

Israeli PM Netanyahu requests pardon in ongoing corruption trial - CNN

Netanyahu seeks pardon in corruption trial from Israel's president after getting Trump's backing - NBC News

Quick Summary of Israel & Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel has been gripped by political turbulence in recent months, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, has been embroiled in legal battles for years over corruption allegations, including charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in three separate cases. While he has denied wrongdoing and remained in office despite ongoing trials, his government’s controversial judicial overhaul,widely seen as an attempt to weaken the judiciary and shield him from prosecution,has sparked mass protests and deepened divisions within Israeli society. The proposed reforms, which would limit the Supreme Court’s ability to strike down laws and give politicians greater control over judicial appointments, have drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, opposition leaders, and even some allies within Netanyahu’s own coalition. The backlash has raised questions about the stability of his government and whether his political survival could hinge on further escalating tensions with Israel’s democratic institutions. The possibility of Netanyahu’s impeachment or removal from office remains a contentious and legally complex issue. Israel’s Basic Laws do not include a formal impeachment process like that of the United States, but the Knesset could theoretically declare a prime minister “incapacitated” or force a no-confidence vote with a majority of 61 out of 120 lawmakers. However, Netanyahu’s coalition currently holds a slim but stable majority, making such a move unlikely without significant defections. Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount, with weekly demonstrations drawing tens of thousands of Israelis demanding his resignation and the protection of judicial independence. Internationally, Netanyahu’s government has faced criticism over its hardline policies, including the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the handling of the war in Gaza, which have further strained Israel’s relations with key allies. As legal and political challenges persist, the coming months may prove pivotal in determining whether Netanyahu can maintain his grip on power or if Israel’s democratic checks will force a reckoning.