Former US President Donald Trump has directly appealed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is entangled in a high-profile corruption trial. Trump’s letter, sent Wednesday, asserts the prosecution is “political” and “unjustified.” This overt request fuels ongoing debates about foreign interference in Israel’s domestic legal affairs and political landscape.
The legal battle against Netanyahu, the first sitting prime minister to face such charges, involves accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu maintains his innocence, dismissing the charges as baseless and politically motivated. He acknowledged Trump’s support on social media, thanking him for his “incredible support” and straightforward approach.
While the Israeli president holds the power to grant pardons, President Herzog has stated that any request must follow official channels. He has previously indicated a preference for the trial to be resolved through a settlement, viewing it as a significant national distraction. Trump’s prior attempts to influence the case, including a public call for a pardon during a parliamentary address, have drawn attention, particularly in light of recent US official visits to Israel, which some commentators have interpreted as attempts to shape the country’s policies regarding the Gaza conflict.