Herzog Summons Netanyahu Lawyers, Prosecutors for Mediation

"Dialogue Toward Agreement Has Value"

In her letter to the parties, Attorney Tzuk emphasized the inherent worth of pursuing mediated dialogue. "It seems there is no dispute regarding the value of conducting dialogue toward agreement that culminates in a settlement," she stated. The legal advisor noted that such procedures are considered proper and effective even in the eyes of the courts, particularly in matters at the heart of public debate in Israel.

Tzuk clarified that the President has repeatedly expressed his support for agreement-oriented dialogue between parties. "You are hereby invited to arrive promptly at the President's Residence to establish the necessary process for conducting these talks, with willing hearts and proper intentions, with each side entering the room free from commitments and conditions," the invitation specified.

No Preconditions Required

The presidential legal advisor emphasized that participation in the proposed dialogue carries no inherent implications for either side's legal positions. "It should be clarified that responding to this invitation and participating in the process does not constitute agreement or approval on your part regarding any matter in dispute, nor does it detract from your arguments in the pending court proceedings," Tzuk assured the parties.

The parties were requested to respond promptly and in good faith, with the understanding that mere participation in the process does not represent acceptance of positions contested between them in court. This framework appears designed to lower barriers to engagement while preserving each side's legal standing.

Context: From Pardon to Mediation

The invitation follows recent reports that President Herzog has decided against granting Netanyahu a pardon at this stage, instead pursuing an alternative pathway through negotiated settlement. According to sources who spoke with The New York Times, Herzog believes the appropriate solution lies in reaching an agreement outside the courtroom rather than proceeding with either presidential clemency or continuing the trial to its conclusion.

The President's Residence confirmed the strategic direction, stating that Herzog "believes it is proper first, before deliberating on the pardon request itself, to exhaust a process that could lead to formulating a settlement between the parties, outside the walls of the court." Officials added that Herzog views reaching a settlement in Netanyahu's cases as "a proper and correct solution," and that contacts toward such a settlement constitute "a necessary part of the attempt to bring the parties to agreements."

This development comes as Netanyahu continues his testimony in the ongoing criminal proceedings, which resumed after a two-month hiatus due to the war with Iran and Lebanon. The Prime Minister faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in multiple cases, with the trial still in its evidentiary phase. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu previously submitted his opinion on the pardon request to President Herzog, following Justice Minister Yariv Levin's recusal due to his close ties with the Prime Minister.