Trump Sends Letter Urging Israeli President to Pardon Netanyahu

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has confirmed receiving a formal letter from U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to grant a presidential pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing trial in three separate corruption cases.

According to a statement from Herzog’s office on Wednesday, the letter was delivered earlier in the day and explicitly called for clemency for Netanyahu.

“This morning, President Isaac Herzog received the attached letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, calling on him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” the statement read.

In the letter, Trump praised Netanyahu as “a formidable and decisive war-time Prime Minister” and described the corruption charges against him as politically motivated.

“While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System… I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi… is political, unjustified prosecution,” Trump wrote. He added that the appeal came at “a historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years.”

Netanyahu, who has consistently denied all allegations, is accused in one case of accepting more than $260,000 worth of luxury items—including cigars, champagne, and jewellery—from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours. He is also accused of attempting to manipulate Israeli media coverage in his favour in two additional cases.

Herzog’s office acknowledged Trump’s longstanding support for Israel, saying, “The President holds President Trump in the highest regard and continues to express his deep appreciation for his unwavering support for Israel.”

However, it noted that “anyone seeking a Presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures.”

Netanyahu’s judicial troubles have long divided Israeli politics. His push for sweeping judicial reforms in 2022 sparked massive protests, which only subsided after the Gaza war erupted in October 2023.

Trump, who faces multiple legal battles of his own in the U.S., has often accused his political rivals of weaponizing the justice system against him.

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