Trump Urges Israeli President to Pardon Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump has formally requested Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing multiple corruption charges. The Israeli press published Trump’s letter, in which he expressed respect for Israel’s judicial independence while claiming that Netanyahu’s trials were politically motivated.

In the letter, Trump wrote that the ongoing cases against Netanyahu were “unfair and politically driven,” urging Herzog to grant a presidential pardon.

The Israeli Presidential Press Office confirmed the authenticity of Trump’s letter, stating that Herzog “holds great respect” for Trump but emphasized that a formal request must be filed through official channels for any pardon to be considered.

A Public Plea During the Knesset Visit

Trump’s appeal follows his recent speech at the Israeli Knesset, where he directly addressed President Herzog, publicly asking him to pardon Netanyahu. Herzog, however, chose not to respond during the session.

Netanyahu, who made history as Israel’s first sitting prime minister to stand trial, continues to face charges that have been in court for years.

Details of Netanyahu’s Corruption Cases

In November 2019, then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit filed three separate corruption cases against Netanyahu, accusing him of bribery, breach of trust, and misuse of office for personal gain. The first hearings began in May 2020 at the Jerusalem District Court.

Netanyahu’s most recent appearance before the Tel Aviv District Court took place on December 10, 2024, where he faced proceedings in the so-called “Case 1000,” “Case 2000,” and “Case 4000” files—each involving allegations of fraud, bribery, and abuse of power.

Despite denying all charges, Netanyahu remains embroiled in legal battles that have tested Israel’s judicial system and political landscape for nearly a decade.