Netanyahu files pardon request amid graft trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday asked the country's president to grant him a pardon from corruption charges — seeking to end a long-running trial that has bitterly divided the nation.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Netanyahu, who has been at war against the country's legal system over the charges, said the request would help unify the country at a time of momentous changes. But it immediately triggered denunciations from his opponents, who said it would weaken Israel's democratic institutions and send a dangerous message that he is above the rule of law.