Tel Aviv -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country's president to grant him a pardon in his trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust that began five years ago.

Netanyahu noted in a video statement on Sunday that his lawyers sent a request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog.

He called for an immediate end to the trial, saying that "continuation of the trial is stirring heated controversies and intensifies rifts" when national unity is required in light of the security and diplomatic reality.

Netanyahu also stressed that he has been elected in democratic elections and received people's trust to continue serving as the prime minister of Israel.

The presidential office noted in a statement that "this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications." It said, "the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request."

An opposition party and a civic group have reacted sharply, saying that a pardon should not be granted without an admission of guilt and an immediate withdrawal from political life.

Netanyahu has been accused of giving favors to a local telecommunications company which pressed an affiliated news website to change its coverage in line with Netanyahu's requests.

It was reported in November that US President Donald Trump had sent a letter to President Herzog, urging him to pardon the prime minister.