Tel Aviv, Nov. 30 -- Israel's political landscape erupted on Sunday following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's unprecedented request for a pardon from President Isaac Herzog.

In a signed one-page letter, Netanyahu did not admit wrongdoing or apologise for any alleged offences but instead emphasised his "broad public and ethical responsibility" for the political tensions surrounding his ongoing corruption trial.

The 111-page application -- one letter signed by Netanyahu and a second, more detailed letter signed by his attorney, Amit Hadad -- asked Herzog to end the corruption trial of Netanyahu, saying it hampers his ability to lead the country and is in the public interest.

"In recent years, tensions and disputes have increased betw...