Trump Requests Pardon for Netanyahu
President Donald Trump has reached out to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, formally requesting that he “fully pardon” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is currently embroiled in three distinct corruption cases, making history as the first Israeli prime minister to face such legal scrutiny. He stands accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, allegations he has consistently denied, branding the trial a “witch-hunt.”
In a letter shared on social media, Trump praised Netanyahu, describing him as a “formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister,” leading Israel toward peace. He mentioned his own role in establishing the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted,” Trump remarked.
Trump also expressed respect for the independence of the Israeli legal system but contended that the actions taken against Netanyahu are politically motivated and unjust.
“While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi… is a political, unjustified prosecution,” he stated.
In his letter, Trump aligned himself with both Herzog and Netanyahu regarding the common goal of retrieving Israeli and foreign hostages from Hamas.
“Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him and ending that lawfare once and for all,” he concluded.
Herzog’s office acknowledged Trump’s support, emphasizing that he holds the former president in high regard. However, it was noted that any request for a presidential pardon must be formally submitted according to established protocols. This implies that Herzog cannot grant a pardon without a submission from Netanyahu or a close relative.
At this stage of the legal process, Herzog lacks the authority to pardon Netanyahu as the trial is ongoing, meaning any such actions would need to wait until it concludes.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, urged Herzog to consider Trump’s request, arguing that Netanyahu’s trial has highlighted shortcomings in the prosecution’s approach.
On the other hand, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid reminded that Israeli law necessitates an admission of guilt and remorse as prerequisites for a pardon.
In response to Trump’s letter, Netanyahu shared his gratitude for the U.S. president’s support on social media.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your incredible support. As usual, you get right to the point and call it like it is. I look forward to continuing our partnership to bolster security and expand peace,” he wrote.
