The president's office said Herzog would receive opinions from justice officials before considering the request "which carries with it significant implications". Netanyahu has been standing trial for the past five years on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He denies wrongdoing. He said in a video message that he would have preferred to see the process to the end but national interest "demanded otherwise". The Israeli opposition says he should admit guilt before seeking a pardon.

Early this month, US President Donald Trump urged Herzog to "fully pardon" Netanyahu. At the time, Herzog made it clear that anyone seeking a pardon had to submit a formal request. On Sunday, his office released the request and a letter by Netanyahu himself, in light of "the importance of this extraordinary request and its implications". It offered no indication of when the president might reach a decision. (BBC)