Israeli President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to consider granting a presidential pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Herzog’s office confirmed on Wednesday.
In the letter, Trump described the corruption trial facing his long-time ally as “a political, unjustified prosecution,” while emphasizing his respect for Israel’s judicial independence.
“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,” Trump wrote, according to a statement released by Herzog’s office.
Herzog’s office noted that any request for a presidential pardon must be submitted formally and reviewed according to established legal procedures.
Responding on social media platform X, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “incredible support,” adding, “As usual, you get right to the point and call it like it is. I look forward to continuing our partnership to bolster security and expand peace.”
Trump’s latest appeal follows a similar public call he made during his visit to Israel in October, when he addressed lawmakers in Jerusalem and urged Herzog to issue a pardon.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three separate cases, including allegations that he accepted gifts worth about 700,000 shekels ($211,832) from wealthy businessmen. His trial, which began in 2020, remains ongoing.
The prime minister has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains that the cases are part of a politically motivated effort by his opponents to remove him from office.
Although largely ceremonial, Israel’s presidency carries the constitutional authority to pardon convicted individuals in exceptional cases.
However, with Netanyahu’s trial still in progress, any such move would be unprecedented and politically charged.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
