In brief
Donald Trump has formally requested Israel's President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces serious charges of bribery and fraud. Trump believes Netanyahu's prosecution is politically motivated, while Herzog’s office maintains that any pardon request must follow legal protocols. Public reactions are mixed, highlighting the political complexities within Israel's current legal and democratic landscape.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from US President Donald Trump formally urging him to fully pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has been standing trial for the past five years on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.
In the letter, Trump writes that he absolutely respects the independence of Israel's justice system, but believes Netanyahu is facing a political, unjustified prosecution.
Herzog's office stated that he holds Trump in the highest regard, but any pardon request must be submitted formally.
There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu; however, he has previously thanked Trump for similar calls made in speeches and social media.
In 2020, Netanyahu became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial, facing allegations ranging from accepting illicit gifts from businessmen to trading media favors.
Amid the ongoing legal saga, Trump recently echoed his calls for a pardon during a speech to the Israeli parliament, characterizing the charges as insignificant.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, supported Trump's call for clemency, while opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the meddling of foreign leaders in domestic affairs.
Public sentiment remains divided, with many seeing a potential pardon as a threat to Israel's democratic integrity, particularly in light of recent protests against judicial reforms perceived to undermine the legal system.
