Herzog stated on Sunday that he would consider the clemency request only after all attempts to reach an agreement between the parties have been exhausted, meaning a decision is not expected soon. He believes that such an agreement would be the best solution in this case. "The president therefore believes that before considering the clemency request itself, efforts to reach an agreement between the parties outside the courtroom should be exhausted," his statement said. This statement followed a report by The New York Times that Herzog plans to initiate mediation aimed at reaching a settlement, which would further delay any decision on a potential pardon. Netanyahu, who denies charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has faced legal troubles for nearly a decade. The trial, which began in 2020, has deeply polarized Israeli society and impacted the political landscape, marked by five election cycles between 2019 and 2022. The next elections are expected by the end of October 2026. The president's office has not confirmed that settlement negotiations are already underway, while Netanyahu's office has offered no comment. The prime minister submitted his clemency request in November. Under Israeli law, the president has the authority to pardon convicted individuals, but there is no precedent for such a decision while a trial is ongoing. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for pardoning Netanyahu, including in March during the conflict with Iran, when the trial was temporarily suspended. Netanyahu is expected to return to the courtroom as early as this week, continuing a trial that has made him the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be charged with criminal offenses.