JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog asking him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is facing a long-running corruption trial, and Trump has repeatedly called for his pardon. Netanyahu denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty.
In the letter, Trump described the trial as a “political, unjustified prosecution” and praised Netanyahu for fighting Israel’s toughest adversaries, including Iran. Herzog’s office said that anyone seeking a presidential pardon must follow formal procedures. Trump also made a similar request during his October visit to Israel.
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Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on three cases, including allegations of receiving nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) in gifts from businessmen. Despite the trial, Netanyahu has portrayed it as a left-wing effort to remove a right-wing elected leader. The trial, which began in 2020, is still ongoing.
While largely ceremonial, the Israeli presidency has the power to grant pardons under exceptional circumstances. Herzog has the legal authority to intervene, but any decision requires careful consideration and formal request procedures. Netanyahu’s allies, including Trump, have actively pushed for his pardon.
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Legal experts say a pardon before conviction is unusual in Israel. Netanyahu continues to maintain his innocence, and the trial remains a major political issue in the country. Observers note that any presidential pardon could have significant domestic and international implications.