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Israeli President Isaac Herzog has confirmed receiving a letter from US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, in which Trump urged him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing trial in three separate corruption cases.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the charges as politically motivated.
His supporters have also described the legal proceedings as an attempt to undermine him.
According to a statement released by Herzog’s office, the president received “a letter from US President Donald Trump, calling on him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
In the letter, Trump wrote that he was addressing Herzog “at a historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years.”
He continued, “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive wartime prime minister.”
While acknowledging Israel’s judicial independence, Trump added: “I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi… is political, unjustified prosecution.”
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused in one case of accepting gifts worth over $260,000—including cigars, jewellery, and champagne—from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours.
In two additional cases, Netanyahu is accused of attempting to influence Israeli media outlets for more favourable coverage.
Herzog’s office said the Israeli president “holds President Trump in the highest regard and continues to express his deep appreciation for President Trump’s unwavering support for Israel.”
However, it added that “anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures.”
Netanyahu’s tenure has been marked by deep political divisions, particularly over his controversial judicial reform proposals introduced in late 2022, which critics argued were designed to weaken Israel’s courts.
The reforms sparked widespread protests across the country, which only subsided after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023.
Trump, who has faced his own legal battles in the United States, has frequently accused his opponents of using the justice system to persecute him, echoing similar claims made by Netanyahu’s supporters.
