Trump Sends Letter Urging Herzog to Pardon Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump sent a formal letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog today calling on him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli leader’s corruption trial is a “political, unjustified prosecution.”

In the letter Trump wrote that it was his “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.” Addressing Herzog directly, Trump continued: “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.”

Trump praised Netanyahu as a leader whose “attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted,” and that, “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 concluded his letter by emphasizing his partnership with Herzog and his own efforts toward the Gaza ceasefire deal: “Isaac, we have established a great relationship… 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.”

President Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the letter and responded firmly: “President Herzog holds President Trump in the highest regard. Alongside and notwithstanding this, as the Office of the President has made clear throughout, anyone seeking a Presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.”

Under Israeli law, a presidential pardon can be granted only before a trial begins or after a verdict has been handed down, neither of which currently applies in Netanyahu’s case. Additionally, a pardon process must be initiated by a request from the defendant or someone acting on their behalf, which Netanyahu has not submitted.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir backed Trump’s appeal, saying: “A pardon in this case is the right and urgent thing to do. President Herzog, listen to President Trump!”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded, saying: “Reminder: Israeli law stipulates that the first condition for receiving a pardon is an admission of guilt and expression of remorse for one’s actions,” implying that a pardon would require Netanyahu to first admit guilt.

Trump had earlier called for a pardon during an address to the Knesset in October, where he was met with loud applause from pro-Netanyahu lawmakers. “Hey, I have an idea Mr President: Why don’t you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon, come on,” Trump said, pointing at Netanyahu. “By the way, that was not in the speech, you probably know.” He praised Netanyahu as “one of the greatest wartime leaders.”

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, including allegedly receiving expensive gifts such as cigars and Champagne. He denies all the charges and says the trial is politically motivated.