**President Isaac Herzog has deferred any decision on Benjamin Netanyahu’s November 2025 pardon request in his long-running corruption trial, prioritizing mediation toward a plea deal instead.** The request, submitted without an admission of guilt or remorse while proceedings continue, lacks precedent under Israeli law, which typically requires conviction or a clear acceptance of responsibility; the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department has advised against granting it on those grounds. Judges overseeing the trial reiterated in June 2026 their earlier view that prosecutors should drop the central bribery charge in Case 4000, a development that could narrow the case but has not resolved it. Netanyahu completed his testimony that month after 98 hearings, with remaining defense witnesses and closing arguments still ahead, potentially extending into 2028. Coalition ministers and MKs have urged clemency citing national security needs, while external pressure from U.S. President Trump has been rebuffed by Herzog, who has signaled any outcome must serve the state’s interests and may involve negotiated limits on Netanyahu’s political role. Upcoming trial sessions and any renewed plea talks represent the nearest catalysts that could shift the trajectory.