United States President Donald Trump has sent a formal letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to issue a full pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling the corruption charges against the Israeli leader “a political, unjustified prosecution.”
The letter, dated earlier this week and bearing the White House seal, marks an unprecedented U.S. presidential intervention in Israel’s domestic judicial affairs. Trump framed the request as part of what he described as a “new era of peace” following the end of the Gaza war and the renewed efforts for Middle East normalization.
“It is my honor to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years,” Trump wrote in the letter addressed to “His Excellency Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel.”
The U.S. president praised Netanyahu’s wartime leadership and said the Israeli prime minister’s “attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted” by ongoing legal proceedings.
“As the Great State of Israel and the amazing Jewish People move past the terribly difficult times of the last three years, 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, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world changing Abraham Accords,” Trump said.
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He added that Netanyahu’s continued leadership was vital as Washington and Jerusalem work with “key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.”
“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 calls for Netanyahu’s pardon during Knesset address
The letter comes less than a month after Trump made the same appeal publicly during a speech at the Knesset on October 13, when he surprised Israeli lawmakers by deviating from his script and directly urging Herzog to clear Netanyahu of all charges.
“I have an idea, Mr. President,” Trump said during his address, turning toward Herzog. “Why don’t you give him a pardon?”
Trump went on to mock the allegations in one of Netanyahu’s cases, which involve claims of accepting expensive gifts.
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“Cigars and champagne — who the hell cares about this?” he said, prompting mixed reactions from members of the Israeli parliament.
During that speech, Trump lauded Netanyahu’s conduct during the Gaza conflict, calling him “a formidable leader” and “a winner.”
“You are very popular because you know how to win,” Trump told the Israeli prime minister, who smiled and nodded from his seat.
Netanyahu is currently on trial and is charged with one count of bribery, as well as fraud and breach of trust, in three separate cases relating to corruption allegations against him. The PM’s trial began in 2020 and is still far from reaching an end.
Herzog’s office responds
President Herzog declines to take a position, saying in a statement from his office that a pardon request must go through the proper channels.
“The president holds great respect for President Trump and repeatedly expresses his appreciation for Trump’s unwavering support of Israel and his tremendous contribution to the return of the hostages, the reshaping of the Middle East and Gaza, and the safeguarding of Israel’s security,” says the President’s Residence.
“Without detracting from the above, as the president has made clear on multiple occasions, anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.”
Under Israeli law, the president of the state has the authority to issue pardons to individuals found guilty by the courts and, in exceptional circumstances, may do so even before a trial has concluded if such action is considered to serve the public good.
Ordinarily, a pardon request must be submitted by the person concerned or a close family member. So far, neither PM Netanyahu nor his relatives have submitted such a petition.
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