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Netanyahu vows to stay in politics even if granted a pardon

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 11:52 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Benjamin Netanyahu vows to stay in politics – even if a pardon is granted

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest‑serving prime minister and the face of the Likud party, has made it clear that a presidential pardon will not force him to abandon his political career. In a statement released on the morning of Tuesday — following a series of court rulings that have kept him in and out of custody over the past two years — Netanyahu told reporters that he “will not quit politics” even if he receives a pardon from President Isaac Herzog.

The announcement came after the Israeli Supreme Court issued a new ruling allowing the former leader to be granted a conditional pardon on the basis of a petition filed by his lawyer. Although the court has not yet issued the pardon itself, the decision signals that the executive branch is moving toward a resolution that could free Netanyahu from the high‑court trial that has been pending since 2019.

The legal backdrop

Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on three counts of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The charges stem from an alleged $1 million “golden” bribe package that the prime minister accepted from a former business partner in exchange for favorable legislation. In November 2021 the Jerusalem District Court convicted the former leader of the first two charges, and in February 2022 a second conviction on the third charge was handed down. Since then, Netanyahu has been denied bail twice and has spent a number of weeks in custody.

In July 2023 the Supreme Court approved an appeal by Netanyahu that lifted the mandatory sentence, effectively allowing him to remain free while the trial continued. In the meantime, the High Court of Justice has been scrutinising the legality of the charges and the proceedings. Netanyahu’s legal team has argued that the case was politically motivated and that the evidence is insufficient to convict him.

The president’s role in granting a pardon in Israel is largely ceremonial; however, it requires a formal review of the case and a vote of the Justice Ministry. The current president, Isaac Herzog, has indicated that he will consider the request only after a thorough examination of the evidence and a recommendation from the Judicial Review Committee.

Netanyahu’s statement

At a press conference held at his family residence in Tel‑Aviv, Netanyahu addressed reporters in Hebrew and English. When asked whether he would step down from the leadership of Likud or leave the Knesset if he were pardoned, he replied, “I will not quit politics. I will continue to serve the people of Israel, I will continue to be a member of the Knesset and I will continue to be a leader for the nation.”

The former prime minister also stated that the pardon would “not change the facts that I have been in the political arena for more than 30 years, that I have represented the interests of the Jewish people and that I will continue to fight for Israel’s security.” He added that a pardon would only “give me the opportunity to continue to fight for the future of Israel.”

Netanyahu’s comment has been widely interpreted as a signal to Likud’s grassroots members that he intends to stay at the helm of the party, even if his trial is still pending. The statement came at a time when the Likud is preparing for the upcoming 2025 elections, and the party’s leadership has been looking for a strong figurehead to rally the right‑wing base.

Public and political reaction

Netanyahu’s remarks were met with a polarized reaction. Supporters in the center‑right camp welcomed the statement, describing it as a “bold declaration of resilience” and a sign that the former leader will “continue to push forward for Israel’s security.” They see the pardon as an opportunity to restore the former prime minister’s political influence.

Opposition parties and pro‑human‑rights groups, on the other hand, called for a halt to the pardon process and warned that a pardon would undermine the rule of law in Israel. They argued that Netanyahu’s continued political activity could lead to a “further erosion of democratic institutions” and would damage Israel’s reputation as a democracy.

The protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem over the past month have also grown more heated. Demonstrators have called for the resignation of all politicians involved in the corruption case, and some have demanded a complete overhaul of the judicial process. While many protesters focus on the corruption allegations, others specifically target Netanyahu’s determination to stay in politics.

Implications for Israeli politics

The possibility that Netanyahu could return to politics after a pardon has far-reaching implications. If granted, the former prime minister could either re‑enter the Likud leadership or run for a Knesset seat, giving him the platform to shape policy on security, foreign affairs, and domestic issues. It would also signal that the Likud can rely on his charismatic leadership to attract voters in a highly fragmented political landscape.

However, if the pardon is denied, Netanyahu’s fate remains uncertain. He would likely face a prison term that could last several years, which would force him to withdraw from the public eye entirely. That outcome could open the door for a new Likud leader, possibly someone who can appeal to the party’s moderate wing and to centrist voters looking for a fresh face.

The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to approve the pardon will, therefore, be watched closely by political observers, legal experts, and the public alike. It could represent a turning point for the Israeli political system and set a precedent for how the country balances the rule of law against the political rights of its most influential leaders.

Conclusion

Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that he will not quit politics even if pardoned underscores the complex interplay between the judicial system, executive authority, and political ambition in Israel. The pending decision on the pardon, the potential impact on the upcoming elections, and the public’s reaction all point to a momentous juncture for the nation’s democratic institutions. Whether Netanyahu can safely step back onto the political stage remains to be seen, but his statement is unequivocal: he intends to keep fighting for Israel’s future, regardless of the legal outcome.