Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court after requesting clemency in his corruption trial.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, appeared in court on Monday, marking his first appearance after requesting a pardon in the corruption trial he is involved in, a move supported by Donald Trump. Opposition politicians, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have spoken out against the request, suggesting that the pardon should be conditioned on Netanyahu's withdrawal from politics. Netanyahu, accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has denied the allegations and has not admitted any guilt.

His lawyers argue that frequent court appearances affect his ability to govern. In Israel, pardons are usually granted only after trials are completed, with no precedent for pardons during them. Trump has described Netanyahu's case as a "political criminal prosecution." Polls suggest that Netanyahu's coalition may have difficulties in forming the next government.