US President Donald Trump has written to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to legally pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
“I hereby urge you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive wartime prime minister,” Trump wrote. “Netanyahu has stood behind Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily distracted.”
Trump criticizes the prosecution
In the letter, Trump called Netanyahu’s prosecution “unwarranted” but stressed that he has “absolute respect” for Israel’s judicial system. The White House declined to comment on the letter.
Division in Israeli society
Netanyahu’s trial has divided Israeli society. Many citizens support Trump’s position and say the court should be overturned, especially since Israel remains effectively at war after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. Others insist that the process is necessary to uphold Israel’s liberal democratic values.
Legal and political implications
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, must call an election within the next year. Under Israeli law, if a prime minister is convicted of a crime involving “moral turpitude” and all appeals are exhausted, his term in office is automatically terminated and a transitional government takes over.
Herzog’s response
Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of Trump’s letter Wednesday morning. It noted that Herzog “mostly respects Trump” for his support for Israel during its ongoing war against Hamas and other Iranian-backed militants. The authority added that anyone seeking clemency must submit a formal application following established procedures.
