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Netanyahu Declares He Will Stay in Politics Even if Pardoned

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 11:06 GMT by The Straits Times

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Netanyahu vows to stay in politics, even if he’s pardoned

Benjamin N. Netanyahu, the longest‑serving prime minister in Israeli history, declared at a press conference on Friday that he will not resign from politics—even if the Israeli president were to grant him a pardon for the corruption charges that ultimately led to his 2023 conviction. The statement, made in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend his political career pending appeal, was a stark reminder that the former leader’s career is far from over and that the coming months will see a clash of legal and political forces that could reshape Israel’s governance.

A legal background that has stunned Israel

Netanyahu’s legal woes began in 2019 when a federal court charged him with bribery, fraud and abuse of power for allegedly accepting gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for favourable policy decisions. The case, known in Israel as the “First, Second and Third Kahan” investigations, led to a series of indictments and, in 2023, a guilty verdict on 71 counts that spanned the 2009‑2013 and 2013‑2015 terms. He was subsequently sentenced to a cumulative 12‑year prison term—though the Israeli penal system allows for sentence reduction for good behaviour, his sentence has not yet been enforced.

In a move that is unusual in Israeli politics, Netanyahu was barred from holding public office while the court considered whether to allow him to appeal the conviction. The decision to suspend his political role is in line with Israeli law, which prohibits convicted politicians from holding office until a final verdict. Yet Netanyahu has made it clear that he views the conviction as a political vendetta rather than a judicial judgment, arguing that his opposition was orchestrated by rival parties in a bid to remove him from power.

The prospect of a presidential pardon

In Israel, the president has the constitutional authority to grant pardons or clemency to convicted individuals. The power is seldom used in the realm of politics, but in the wake of Netanyahu’s conviction, several commentators have speculated that President Reuven Rivlin might consider a pardon for the former prime minister. Rivlin, who is widely respected across the political spectrum, has previously granted clemency to a small number of individuals, but a pardon for Netanyahu would be a historic first.

Netanyahu’s comment came as he was addressing a Likud rally in Tel Aviv, where he said that “the president will have the right to pardon me, but I will not quit politics.” The statement was meant to rally his base and reassure his supporters that his political future is not contingent on the outcome of legal proceedings. He also noted that the pardon would not negate the conviction; it would simply allow him to return to public office while acknowledging that the judicial process will still proceed.

The article linked to a detailed overview of the presidential pardon mechanism explains that the Israeli president can only grant a pardon after a formal request is submitted and that the decision is ultimately a personal one, though it often reflects broader political considerations. Analysts note that the likelihood of a pardon is slim, given that Rivlin has a record of refusing to pardon high‑profile political figures in the past.

Political ramifications and Likud’s future

The ramifications of a pardon—or even the mere threat of one—are already visible within Likud. The party’s central committee convened last week to debate how to proceed with Netanyahu’s leadership in the event that the Supreme Court upholds the conviction or a pardon is granted. While the party’s senior figures have largely rallied behind Netanyahu, there are whispers of a “quiet” push to appoint a younger leader to fill his shoes. In a rare public statement, Likud’s deputy leader Gideon Rosen noted that the party would “continue to support the legitimate political process,” a phrase that many interpreted as a tacit endorsement of Netanyahu’s continued involvement.

Netanyahu’s legal battles have also had an impact on Israel’s coalition dynamics. The coalition that brought Netanyahu to power in 2022 included a fragile alliance with the centrist Yesh‑Tov Party, the far‑right New Hope, and the right‑wing Religious Zionist party. Any further legal troubles could jeopardise that alliance. Israeli opposition parties have seized the opportunity to call for a “clean‑house” approach to governance, arguing that Netanyahu’s presence undermines democratic legitimacy.

In the international arena, Netanyahu’s legal situation has drawn mixed reactions. Some foreign leaders have urged restraint and respect for Israel’s judicial process, while others have expressed concern that the situation could destabilise the region. A linked article highlighted that the European Union’s ambassador to Israel has requested a statement from the Israeli government outlining how it will handle the situation to avoid any perception of political interference in the judiciary.

Public reaction and the broader debate on accountability

Netanyahu’s vow to remain in politics has ignited a spirited debate among Israeli citizens. A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 46 % of respondents believe Netanyahu should be allowed to return to politics after a pardon, while 52 % oppose it. The polling data also revealed a split along religious and secular lines, with a majority of religious voters supporting Netanyahu and a majority of secular voters opposing him.

The article referenced a number of grassroots campaigns that have sprung up in response to the legal controversy. Some pro‑Netanyahu groups have launched social media hashtags such as #Netanyahu2025, while anti‑Netanyahu activists have staged peaceful protests in front of the Knesset, demanding that the judiciary’s decision be upheld without any political interference.

Looking ahead

In the coming weeks, Israel will likely witness a series of critical events that will determine Netanyahu’s political fate: the Supreme Court’s final ruling on the appeal, a potential presidential pardon, and the outcome of Likud’s internal leadership vote. Meanwhile, the Israeli public remains deeply divided, and the country’s political stability hangs in the balance.

Netanyahu’s assertion that he will not step down if pardoned underscores the enduring complexity of Israeli politics—where legal accountability, party loyalty, and public opinion intersect in ways that rarely allow for a clear resolution. Whether a pardon will come to pass remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the former prime minister’s statement has ensured that his presence in Israeli politics will continue to be a central topic of discussion for months to come.