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New Delhi: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he won't quit politics, in exchange for a pardon in a corruption case. He made it clear that he was not interested in any kind of plea bargain. He made the announcement during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in Jerusalem.
The Israeli PM categorically rejected the idea that he would be quitting public life, in exchange for a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. He had officially requested a pardon, in the corruption case from the President last week. Ever since then a notion, or one can say a rumour started that Netanyahu would be quitting politics in exchange for a pardon.
During the presser with German leader Merz, Netanyahu was asked by a reporter, "Do you intend to retire from public life if you receive a pardon?"
In a curt reply, PM Netanyahu said, "No". When questioned if he was open to a "plea bargain", his response remained the same, "No".
Following the response, Netanyahu added, "And the last thing I will say - They’re very eager. They’re very concerned with my future. They want to make sure that I’ll — how shall I say this? — they’re concerned for my future. Well, so are the voters, and they’ll decide, obviously", the Times of Israel quoted him as saying.
He then shifted focus to his meeting with the German Chancellor. He said that there are some big things to be done at the moment and amongst them was the "historic cooperation with Germany", which would tower over the countries previous cooperation, which, according to Netanyahu, was "amazing."
He also joked about the German leader's height describing him as a "towering figure."
Netanyahu is accused of corruption and has been charged with one count of bribery and 3 counts of fraud and breach of trust. The charges have been filed against him in 3 separate cases. The Israeli leader has been accused of receiving gifts in return for government favours and also manipulating the press.
However, Netanyahu has rejected all charges against him. He described them as "fabricated" and also said that his political opponents were attempting a political coup by the police and state prosecution.
In the pardon request submitted through a video released last week, Netanyahu did not admit to any wrongdoing. In fact he continued to contest the charges against him and also questioned the legitimacy of the conviction process. Netanyahu was indicted in November 2019 and his trial started in May 2020. Many called for his resignation so that a fair trial could be conducted, but he has refused to comply.
