What charges does Benjamin Netanyahu face, and what’s at stake if he is granted a pardon?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon in his long-running corruption trial — a move that has set off alarm bells among his critics that he’s trying to circumvent the rule of law.

- BY MICHELLE Burgis-Kasthala PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL Law, La TROBE UNIVERSITY

In a video message, Netanyahu says Israel’s current “security and political” situation makes it impossible for him to appear in court several times a week.

His request for a pardon from Israel’s president is just the latest twist in a case that has dragged on for years. It could have significant implications for Israel's legal system — and Netanyahu’s political future, with elections due next year.

Netanyahu is indisputably the most important political figure of modern Israeli politics. He was first elected prime minister in 1996 and is now in his sixth term.

He has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, related to investigations that date back to 2016. There are three cases now known by numbers — Case 1,000, Case 2,000 and Case 4,000. The trial began in 2020.

In Case 1,000, Netanyahu is alleged to have received some US$200,000 (A$305,000) worth of gifts, including cigars and champagne, from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.

Case 2,000 is related to alleged meetings Netanyahu had with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the prominent Yediot Ahronot newspaper. Prosecutors say Mozes offered Netanyahu favourable coverage in exchange for restrictions being imposed on one of his rival newspapers.