Israeli President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump, asking him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Herzog’s office.
Netanyahu has been on trial for several years over corruption charges, all of which he denies. Trump, who has publicly defended Netanyahu many times, reiterated that support in his written appeal. In the letter, Trump called the prosecution “political” and “unjustified,” arguing that Netanyahu has been a key partner in confronting major threats, particularly Iran.
Herzog’s office responded by noting that any request for a presidential pardon must go through formal legal channels. Despite the Israeli presidency being largely ceremonial, the president does hold the authority to issue pardons in rare and special circumstances.
Netanyahu reacted on X, thanking Trump for his “incredible support” and expressing optimism about continuing their partnership on regional security and future diplomatic efforts.
The corruption case against Netanyahu began with a 2019 indictment involving multiple allegations, including accusations that he accepted valuable gifts from wealthy associates. His trial began in 2020 and remains unresolved, with Netanyahu maintaining his innocence and framing the case as a politically motivated effort to remove him from office.
Trump previously voiced similar support during an October visit to Israel, where he publicly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu. For readers following official Israeli legal procedures, details about presidential pardons can be found on the Office of the President of Israel website. Information on Trump’s political positions and public statements is available through the Donald J. Trump official website.
