This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.
For the stories shaping Asia and the world.
Asia specific.
The new podcast from the BBC World Service.
Drawing on the expertise of BBC journalists and correspondents from across the Asia-Pacific region.
We bring you an Asian perspective on international events.
and news and insight on the political, social and economic trends shaping the Asia-Pacific region.
Watch Asia-specific on the BBC World Service YouTube channel,
or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Hello, welcome to News Hour.
It's coming to you live from the BBC World Service studios in central London.
I'm Tim Franks.
We're beginning with the news that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu,
has requested a pardon from the country's president, Isaac Herzog.
Mr Netanyahu has been on trial for the past five years,
on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
This request for a pardon has not come out of the blue.
Mr President, why don't you give him a pardon?
Donald Trump making the call six weeks ago
as he turned to a rather bemused looking Isaac Herzog listening to Mr.