Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided not to issue a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption case, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Instead of granting a pardon, Herzog will seek mediation as an alternative approach to resolving the legal proceedings against the prime minister. The decision represents a significant development in Netanyahu's corruption case, which has been a source of political tension in Israel.

Netanyahu is currently facing charges in a corruption case that has drawn considerable attention both domestically and internationally. The prime minister has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The president's decision to pursue mediation rather than a pardon suggests an attempt to find a middle ground in the politically sensitive case. Presidential pardons in corruption cases involving sitting prime ministers are rare and typically controversial.

Herzog's office has not immediately provided additional details about the timeline or specific parameters for the proposed mediation process. The decision comes as Netanyahu continues to serve as prime minister while defending against the corruption charges.