In letter, Trump asks ‘Israeli’ president to pardon Netanyahu in ongoing corruption trial

• Trump asks 'Israeli' President Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, calling the charges “political.”

'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from US President Donald Trump urging him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Herzog's office confirmed Wednesday.

Trump’s request comes as Netanyahu faces a long-running corruption trial, in which he denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty.

In the letter, Trump wrote, “While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi, who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution.”

Herzog’s office stressed that any request for a presidential pardon must follow formal procedures. Netanyahu has not yet submitted an official request, though reports suggest his wife, Sara Netanyahu, may be preparing to do so.

During Trump’s October visit to 'Israel', he called on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in a speech to the Knesset. In the letter, Trump praised Netanyahu as “a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.”

Trump emphasized that he respects the 'Israeli' judicial system but criticized the corruption cases against Netanyahu as politically motivated, describing them as “unjustified prosecution.” He highlighted their shared efforts in securing captives and advancing Middle East peace agreements.

Netanyahu’s Legal Challenges

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, including allegations of receiving nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) in gifts from businessmen. His trial began in 2020 and continues, with the prime minister currently testifying in court.

Netanyahu has described the legal proceedings as a “left-wing witch-hunt” aimed at toppling an elected right-wing leader, while asserting his innocence.

Herzog’s Position on Pardons

While largely ceremonial, the 'Israeli' presidency holds the authority to grant pardons, even in rare circumstances before the conclusion of a trial. Herzog, however, has declined to take a position on Netanyahu’s case, noting in a statement that “anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.”

Herzog reiterated his appreciation for Trump’s support, stating that the US president has contributed significantly to 'Israel’s' security, regional peace efforts, and the safe return of captives.

Next Steps

At present, Netanyahu or his family have not formally requested a pardon, though reports indicate that Sara Netanyahu may submit an application. Any such request would follow the statutory process, after which Herzog could exercise his constitutional authority to grant clemency.

As discussions continue, Trump’s intervention underscores the deep personal and political ties between the US president and Netanyahu, while adding another layer of complexity to 'Israel’s' legal and political landscape.