In an interview with the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz, Herzog stressed the need to consider this idea, which has previously been proposed as a possible solution to the political crisis surrounding Netanyahu's trial.
He reiterated his call in another interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, saying, "In light of the need to calm internal tensions in Israeli society, I have already heard former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak support the idea of a plea bargain, and I don't think it's a bad idea at all."
Netanyahu is being tried in the District Court on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. If convicted, he could face imprisonment, although he maintains his innocence and denies all allegations.
In other positions, Herzog rejected opposition calls to declare Netanyahu "unable to perform his duties," stressing, "Since I believe in democracy, I do not believe it is right to demand that he be declared unfit."
He also defended the government's right to dismiss senior officials, such as the attorney general and the head of the Shin Bet security service, provided this occurs in accordance with legal procedures.
Israelis have recently been embroiled in a heated debate following the government's decision to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, despite widespread objections. The Supreme Court is currently considering petitions against the decision.
The government also took steps to dismiss Legal Adviser Gali Baharav-Miara, who opposed several government decisions.
In response to accusations by some right-wing leaders of the existence of a "deep state" within Israel, Herzog asserted: "There is no deep state or dictatorship. Israeli democracy is strong, but it faces threats."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, is a prominent advocate of the "deep state," a term Netanyahu also used in a speech to the Knesset on March 4.
In the interview, the Israeli president also renewed his call for the establishment of an official commission of inquiry into the October 7, 2023 failure.
On February 27, the Israeli military released the results of its investigation into the October 7, 2023, attack. The findings revealed serious failures in anticipating and responding to the attack, including Hamas's success in controlling the "Gaza Division" for several hours.
The Israeli opposition has consistently called on Netanyahu to form an official commission of inquiry into the attack, a request the prime minister has rejected.
