In a formal letter addressed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump described the ongoing corruption trial against Netanyahu as a "political, unjustified prosecution."
Trump lauded Netanyahu's leadership during times of war and his current efforts to guide Israel towards peace. He urged President Herzog to put an end to what he termed as "lawfare" against the Prime Minister. "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," Trump wrote in his letter.
Trump's letter, as reported by Breitbart, was filled with praise for Netanyahu, stating that the Prime Minister has stood tall for Israel against strong adversaries and long odds. He argued that Netanyahu's attention should not be unnecessarily diverted.
Trump also expressed his respect for the Israeli Justice System and its requirements, but he remained firm in his belief that the case against Netanyahu is a political, unjustified prosecution.
The former U.S. President's letter follows his October address to the Knesset, where he spontaneously suggested to Herzog, "Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon?" This suggestion was met with a standing ovation and chants of "Bibi, Bibi!" from the Israeli parliament.
In his letter, Trump also addressed Herzog personally, expressing gratitude for their established relationship. He emphasized their shared focus on bringing hostages home and securing a peace agreement. "Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all," Trump concluded.
In response to Trump's letter, Herzog's office confirmed receipt and issued a cautious response. They noted that while President Herzog holds Trump in high regard and appreciates his unwavering support for Israel, any pardon request must follow established procedures. Under Israeli law, such requests must be submitted formally by the individual or an immediate family member, typically after legal proceedings conclude.
Netanyahu, who continues to testify in his defense at the Tel Aviv District Court, declined to comment on Trump's letter. During the same court session, he referenced the international attention on his case, stating, "Youre trying to create a problem that doesnt exist. The absurdity was exposed, and then the world discovered it. World leaders are astonished, and Im not exaggerating. All world leaders, none of them believe it.
Netanyahu is currently facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases that have dominated Israeli politics for more than five years. The charges relate to petty corruption, such as receiving cigars from a friend, which supporters argue are politically motivated. Despite the ongoing trial, Israeli voters have consistently reelected Netanyahu.
In response to Trump's letter, Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar described it as proof of the "full absurdity" of Netanyahus trial. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Herzog to "listen to President Trump," labeling the trial as "fabricated and despicable."
Critics, including legal analysts like Alan Dershowitz and former federal prosecutors, have characterized the cases against Netanyahu as politically motivated efforts to remove a democratically elected leader from power.
Unlike the U.S. Department of Justice, which maintains a policy against prosecuting a sitting President, Israeli prosecutors have pursued Netanyahu aggressively despite questions about the strength of the charges.
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