Netanyahu asks the Israeli president to forgive him following a letter from Trump pleading for mercy.

Weeks after President Donald Trump wrote a letter pleading for forgiveness, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog while he is on trial for corruption and fraud.

In his plea, Netanyahu n highlighted his concern over public divide. He stated that the pardon would enable him to “reconcile the national rift” and “lower the flames” in the disputes surrounding his trial, even though he made no formal admission of guilt.

Herzog’s office released a statement Sunday saying it has received Netanyahu’s formal pardon request, calling it “extraordinary” and acknowledging that it carries “significant implications.”

The request, in accordance with guidelines and procedures, was being transferred to the Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice, which will gather opinions from relevant authorities on the matter, the president’s office said.

The opinions will then be sent to the legal advisor in the Office of the President, who will formulate an additional opinion for Herzog.

“After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request,” Herzog’s office said in the statement