Trump urges Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu in 'unjustified' corruption case

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has written to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to issue a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his reportedly ongoing corruption trial.

The letter, made public by Herzog’s office on Wednesday, November 12, marks a rare and controversial intervention by a sitting US president in another nation’s judicial process.

“I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace,” Trump wrote.

Trump calls Benjamin Netanyahu’s prosecution ‘political’

Netanyahu, who allegedly faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in three separate cases dating back to Trump’s first term, has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.

In the letter, Trump maintained that while he respected Israel’s judicial independence, the cases against Netanyahu were reportedly politically motivated.

“The ‘case’ against Bibi… is a political, unjustified prosecution,” he wrote, praising the Israeli leader’s partnership in countering Iran and promoting regional peace.

Despite Herzog’s largely ceremonial role, he does hold the power to issue pardons, but reportedly only when requested by the accused, their legal team, or family members. No such request has allegedly been made by Netanyahu.

Herzog’s office responded diplomatically, saying the president holds Trump “in high regard” and appreciates his “unwavering support” for Israel, but noted that “anyone seeking a pardon must submit a request in accordance with established procedures.”

Trump’s appeal drew sharply divided responses in Israel 

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir endorsed Trump’s call, urging Herzog on social media to “listen to President Trump,” while calling Netanyahu’s indictments “a disgrace.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, however, reminded Trump and Herzog that Israeli law requires an admission of guilt before a pardon can be considered.

This is not the first time Trump has spoken out in defense of Netanyahu. In June, following the Israel-Iran conflict, the president posted on Truth Social, calling the Israeli leader’s prosecution a “ridiculous witch hunt.”

Trump mentioned Netanyahu's pardon in Knesset address 

Trump called on Israel's President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, on October 13 as well. 

“This man is a good man right here. I have an idea. Mr president, why don’t you give him a pardon?” Trump said, gesturing toward Netanyahu.

During the speech, Trump acknowledged that the remark requesting Herzog to pardon Netanyahu had not been a part of his prepared text. “That was not in the speech, as you probably know,” he said. 

“But I happen to like this gentleman right over here, and it just seems to make so much sense," Trump added, referring to Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is reportedly the first sitting head of government in the nation’s history to face criminal prosecution while in office. His trial, which began in May 2020, continues to loom over Israeli politics.