US President Donald Trump has written to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges. Trump described the trial as a “political, unjustified prosecution” and praised Netanyahu as a “formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister”.
In the letter, Trump stated, “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”. Netanyahu is accused of accepting luxury goods worth $260,000 from billionaires in exchange for political favors and attempting to negotiate favorable coverage from Israeli media outlets.
Herzog’s office acknowledged receiving the letter but emphasized that a formal pardon request must follow established procedures. Netanyahu has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty, claiming the trial is a “left-wing witch-hunt.”
Opposition leaders in Israel have criticized Trump’s intervention, saying it’s an unusual attempt to influence internal Israeli affairs. Netanyahu’s trial began in 2020 and has been repeatedly delayed.