JERUSALEM: Israel's president stated on Sunday that he will only consider Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pardon request after efforts to reach a plea deal have been exhausted, indicating that a swift decision is unlikely.

Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial, which began around a decade ago and has led to five rounds of elections since 2019, continues to polarize Israelis and significantly impact national politics, with the next election due by the end of October 2026.

Netanyahu denies the bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges leveled against him.

President Isaac Herzog emphasized the importance of reaching a settlement outside the courtroom before any pardon is considered.

According to Herzog, 'The President therefore believes that before addressing the pardon request itself, efforts should first be exhausted to reach an agreement between the parties, outside the courtroom.'

This announcement follows a report by the New York Times stating that President Herzog plans to initiate mediation for a plea bargain, thereby delaying any decision on a pardon.

A spokesperson from Herzog's office refrained from commenting further and did not confirm any ongoing plea deal discussions.

Netanyahu's office also declined to comment.

Netanyahu submitted his pardon request in November, highlighting the unprecedented nature of seeking a pardon mid-trial.

While Israeli law grants the president the authority to grant pardons to convicts, no precedent exists for doing so during an ongoing trial.

U.S. President Donald Trump has previously called on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, including during the Iran conflict when the trial was temporarily suspended.

Netanyahu is scheduled to return to court this week as the trial resumes after a pause in 2020.

His case marks the first time that Israel's sitting prime minister has been charged with a crime.