Israeli President Isaac Herzog responded on Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial, saying he will “consider solely the best interests” of the country.

“The issue of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon is clearly provoking debate and is deeply unsettling for many people across different communities in the country,” Herzog said, according to his spokesperson. “I have already clarified that it will be handled in the most correct and precise manner. I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society.”

The head of state said Sunday that Netanyahu had submitted the request for a pardon, with Herzog’s office describing it as “an extraordinary request that carries significant imp

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