In a new development, U.S. President Donald Trump has formally asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to approve a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial in multiple corruption cases.
In an official letter, Trump described the trial as “political and unjustified,” saying Netanyahu had “stood by him for years,” especially on the Iran file. He urged Israeli authorities to “end this legal battle once and for all.”
President Herzog’s office stated that any pardon must follow the formal legal procedures required under Israeli law.
Trump’s request sparked mixed reactions in Israel. The opposition leader stressed that a pardon requires admitting guilt and expressing remorse, while the national security minister welcomed the appeal.
Netanyahu has faced corruption charges since 2019 and is also subject to an international arrest warrant issued in 2024.
