Netanyahu requests presidential pardon – DW – 11/30/2025

The US military says it and Syrian forces have destroyed 15 weapons sites of the so-called “Islamic State” (IS) in southern Syria.

US Central Command reports the facilities were hit in coordinated airstrikes and ground detonations between November 24 and 27 in Rif Damashq province.

“The combined operation destroyed over 130 mortars and rockets, multiple assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, and materials for building improvised explosive devices,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

IS was largely defeated years ago, but remnants of the group have regrouped in the region.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper says the mission ensures gains against IS remain permanent.

On his trip to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV took time on Sunday to praise the country’s “resilience” despite years of conflict.

The pope met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and senior officials at the presidential palace in the capital Beirut.

Prior to the trip, the pontiff announced an intention to “once again proclaim the message of peace in the Middle East” and to strengthen Christian communities across the region

“Blessed are the peacemakers — those who choose peace even when conflict seems easier,” he said on meeting President Aoun.

Despite intense economic hardship, political turmoil and recurring conflicts, Pope Leo said the people of Lebanon had constantly found courage to begin again.

“Lebanon’s strength is a people who never give up, who rise again with courage after every trial,” Leo continued. “There are personal and collective wounds that take many years, sometimes entire generations, to heal.”

In response, President Aoun called Lebanon “a land of freedom and dignity for every person.”

He appealed to the pope to draw the world’s attention to the country’s difficult situation. 

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Beirut for a three-day visit focused on political talks and interfaith outreach.

The pope said he wanted to bring a message of peace to the region, while Israel continued strikes on Islamist militias in southern Lebanon and Gaza.

In the Lebanese capital, the pontiff met political leaders from the country’s three main religious communities: President Joseph Aoun, a Christian; Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Shiite Muslim; and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a Sunni Muslim. He planned to address representatives of all political-confessional groups at the presidential palace in the evening.

Monday’s schedule includes meetings with Maronite believers and clergy, followed by an interfaith prayer gathering with Muslim, Christian and smaller religious leaders. With Lebanon’s power-sharing system tied to religious affiliation, such ceremonies also carry political weight.

The Maronites are a Christian community that belongs to the Catholic Church, based mainly in Lebanon, with their own ancient liturgy, traditions and hierarchy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, marking a rare step in the country’s political and legal history.

Herzog’s office said Sunday that it had received an “extraordinary request” and would review it after collecting all relevant opinions.

Netanyahu, who denies wrongdoing, said he filed the request in the “national interest” because the long-running proceedings were dividing the country. The opposition condemned the move and criticized him for offering no admission of guilt.

The prime minister faces three corruption cases. Prosecutors accuse him and his wife Sara of accepting gifts worth more than $260,000 (roughly €225,000) in exchange for political favors. In two other cases, Netanyahu is alleged to have sought favorable media coverage. He rejects all the allegations.

Netanyahu said in a video message that the trial has been under way for nearly six years and could last for many more. He added that he intends to fight for an acquittal but argued that the security and political situation demands a different approach.

The prime minister said Israel faces “enormous challenges” and warned that the continuation of the proceedings fuels internal divisions.

Welcome to DW’s coverage of Gaza, Israel and the wider Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon, calling the long-running corruption trial a threat to national unity.

Herzog’s office has described the request as “extraordinary” and said it would be reviewed carefully after gathering all relevant opinions.

Netanjahu denies wrongdoing in three cases involving alleged gifts from billionaires and attempts to secure favorable media coverage.

We’re covering this story and other news from the region, so stay with us for the latest.