Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that he would not leave political life even if President Isaac Herzog were to grant him a presidential pardon, addressing the issue publicly for the first time after a week of intense scrutiny.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu dismissed speculation that clemency might be conditioned on a political exit.
“They are very concerned with my future,” he said with a laugh. “Well, so are the voters, and they will decide, obviously.”
His comments came as Herzog continues reviewing Netanyahu’s extraordinary pardon request, submitted last week. The President’s Office has emphasized the “significant implications” of the move and noted that the process remains at an early stage while legal assessments are still being compiled by the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department.
The pardon request has not altered the trial schedule: Netanyahu is still set to testify this week on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the press conference, Netanyahu was asked whether Berlin had invited him for an official visit despite sensitivities abroad, particularly the International Criminal Court’s outstanding arrest warrants. Merz said the subject had not been raised in their discussions.
Netanyahu added that political considerations were not what had kept him from visiting Germany “Of course, I’d be delighted to visit Germany again and speak there with the chancellor, bring our governments together – I think that’s important,” he said. “The reason we’re not going there is that there’s an ICC prosecutor.”
Merz’s visit came as Israel awaits the expected return of the final October 7 hostage, St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, a development that has shaped the prime minister’s movements and public messaging.
The issue of whether a pardon request could influence Netanyahu’s political future – or his ability to continue serving while standing trial – has dominated the political debate.
Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report.