Chronicle poll results: Should Herzog pardon Netanyahu?

Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Should Israeli President Isaac Herzog pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged criminal misconduct?” Of the 310 people who responded, 69% said no; 26% said yes; and 5% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 94 people. A few follow.

Absolutely not. To pardon Netanyahu would prevent justice from taking its course (whether he’s judged innocent or guilty) and would be a disgrace.

Hate him or love him, Bibi is still prime minister and the internal political grievances inside Israel pale in comparison to the bigger issues at hand, including those which affect Diaspora Jewry. A pardon would be the quickest thing to do to be able to move on.

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Special dispensation should not be given to a politician.

I greatly admire the prime minister’s courage and level-headed manner, and that he led Israel during an insane situation caused by insane people. This is the least that we can do for him.

From what I have read, it sounds like the case against Netanyahu was flimsy at best. I think Herzog should pardon Netanyahu. At the same time, I think Netanyahu should retire and give the Israeli electorate a chance to vote in a different politician.

A crime is a crime. Why preemptively pardon him while he erodes hope of a two-state solution, prolongs the conflict and violence, doesn’t hold settlers accountable for their crimes, and tries to dismantle democracy in Israel for his own gain? He’s shown who he is; make him deal with the consequences.

Seems like a witch hunt. The Israel version of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Absolutely not! It would be the equivalent of pardoning the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and Trump as well.

As Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel said some 2,000 years ago, when justice is done, truth is served and peace ensues. All of this pardoning of big shots and influencers and activists and high rollers, along with condoning shady activity, has to stop. In this case, Netanyahu would be pardoned even before adjudication. This is so inappropriate I don’t even have sufficient words for it. “No” will have to suffice.

A pardon should come only after a trial. If he is found guilty and agrees to step down then it would perhaps be appropriate to pardon him.

Trump is giving a master class in the abuse of the pardon power. Israel should reject this approach and retain its commitment to impartial justice.

Just like when Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, it is the best way to move the nation forward. PJC