Netanyahu says he won’t quit politics in exchange for pardon in corruption trial At joint press conference with German chancellor, premier firmly rejects idea of walking away from political life, says voters will decide ‘my future’
By ToI Staff Today, 5:51 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not seen) in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, Pool)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he will not retire from politics in exchange for a pardon in his corruption trial.
The premier rejected the idea, which has been floated since he officially requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog last week, during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“They’re very concerned with my future. They want to make sure that — how shall I say this? — they’re concerned with my future,” Netanyahu joked alongside Merz, after being asked about the topic by a reporter.
“Well, so are the voters, and they’ll decide, obviously, but we have big tasks to do,”
he said.
“Including with Germany in historic cooperation,” Netanyahu continued, gesturing towards Merz, adding that it “will, in many ways, tower over our previous cooperation, which was quite amazing.
etc..... timesofisrael.com
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