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Israeli President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump urging a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, according to a statement from the Israeli presidency.
Herzog’s office released an image of the letter signed by Trump, who wrote that Netanyahu “has been a formidable and decisive wartime prime minister.”
“While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System and its requirements, I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi, who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution,” Trump said in the letter.
In response, Herzog’s office said that anyone seeking a presidential pardon “must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.”
There has been no immediate comment from the White House regarding Trump’s letter.
Trump has previously called for Netanyahu’s pardon, including during a speech at the Knesset last month.
Under Israeli law, the president has the authority to pardon or commute sentences based on recommendations from relevant authorities such as the justice or defense ministers.
However, the law requires that an individual admit guilt before a presidential pardon can be granted.
Netanyahu has refused to admit to any of the charges against him.
His trial, which began on May 24, 2020, marks the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting prime minister has taken the stand as a criminal defendant.
In January, Netanyahu was interrogated over corruption allegations in cases numbered 1000, 2000, and 4000, all of which he denies.
Netanyahu also faces war crimes and crimes against humanity charges.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged atrocities in Gaza, where more than 69,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.
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