Trump demands Netanyahu’s pardon, calls corruption case ‘political and unfair’ in letter to Israeli President

Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump has formally appealed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to consider granting a presidential pardon to Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial in three separate corruption cases.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Herzog’s office said, “This morning, President Isaac Herzog received the attached letter from US President Donald Trump, calling on him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”

The statement added that under Israeli law, “anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.”

Netanyahu, who was indicted in 2019, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The allegations include receiving gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (approximately USD 211,000) from businessmen. The Israeli leader has denied all charges and maintains his innocence.

Trump’s letter reportedly described the prosecution as “political and unjustified”, calling Netanyahu a “strong ally” and a “defender against Iran’s influence in the region”.

The Israeli presidency, while largely ceremonial, retains the constitutional power to issue pardons in exceptional circumstances. However, as of Wednesday, no formal pardon request from Netanyahu or his legal team has been submitted to Herzog’s office.

The timing of Trump’s appeal comes amid heightened political tensions in Israel, with ongoing protests and legal scrutiny surrounding Netanyahu’s leadership.

The corruption cases against the prime minister — known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000 — involve allegations of illicit gifts, attempts to secure favourable media coverage, and conflicts of interest with business conglomerates.

Despite the charges, Netanyahu continues to lead Israel’s coalition government and maintains a strong support base within his Likud party.

Observers say Trump’s intervention underscores his continuing influence in Israeli politics and his close personal and political relationship with Netanyahu, dating back to his presidency and the 2020 Abraham Accords.

Herzog’s office stated that the letter will be handled “in accordance with the law and standard presidential protocol.”