Trump asks Israel to pardon Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump has formally urged ‘Israeli’ President Isaac Herzog to issue a presidential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the corruption case against him as “politically motivated” and “unjustified,” according to a statement released by Herzog’s office on Wednesday.
This development adds a new layer of political pressure as Netanyahu continues to fight a years-long corruption trial.
Trump’s Letter: A Direct Appeal for Clemency
In the letter, Trump wrote that while he respects the independence of the ‘Israeli’ judiciary, he believes the charges against Netanyahu—who he called “a formidable and decisive war-time Prime Minister”—stem from political motivations.
“This case against Bibi… is a political, unjustified prosecution,” Trump wrote, praising Netanyahu as a leader who “fought alongside me for a long time, including against the adversary Iran.”
According to Reuters and other outlets, Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the letter but emphasized that any pardon must go through the official legal process.
No Official Request Yet—But Sara Netanyahu May Step In
Despite Trump’s push, Netanyahu has not filed an official pardon request.
Reports circulating in local media suggest that Sara Netanyahu may take steps to submit the application herself, as allowed under ‘Israeli’ law.
Herzog’s office reiterated that:
“Any individual seeking a pardon must submit a formal request according to established procedures.”
Context: Trump Raised the Issue During His Visit
During Trump’s visit to ‘Israel’ in October, he publicly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in a speech to the Knesset.
In his latest letter, Trump again praised Netanyahu’s leadership, referencing their partnership on the Abraham Accords and ongoing talks with Middle Eastern leaders to “add many additional countries.”
He also highlighted their joint work on efforts to secure captives and expand regional peace arrangements.
Netanyahu’s Ongoing Legal Battle
Netanyahu’s corruption trial—considered one of the most consequential in ‘Israeli’ political history—includes three cases involving bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Accusations include accepting nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) in gifts from wealthy businessmen.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied all charges, calling the legal process a “left-wing witch-hunt” aimed at removing him from office.
The trial, which began in 2020, is still ongoing, with Netanyahu currently testifying in court.
Herzog’s Authority — And His Neutral Position
Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, Herzog does possess constitutional authority to grant pardons, even before a trial concludes—something extremely rare.
Still, Herzog has avoided expressing any stance on Netanyahu’s case, noting:
“I will act only according to formal requests and legal procedures.”
He also acknowledged Trump’s role in supporting ‘Israel’s’ security and regional diplomatic efforts.
What Happens Now?
As of now:
- No formal pardon request has been submitted.
- Trump’s intervention creates political pressure but has no legal force.
- Any future request will require a full review process by Herzog’s office.
The letter underscores the deep personal relationship between Trump and Netanyahu and injects new political tension into an already volatile moment in ‘Israel’s’ legal and political landscape.
