Israeli president Isaac Herzog confirmed on Wednesday, November 12 that he received a letter from U.S. president Donald Trump which asked him to consider pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump—who has long called Netanyahu a close ally—described the Israeli leader’s trial as a “political and unjustified prosecution.”
In the letter, Trump wrote
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.
Herzog’s office noted that a formal application following official procedures is required for anyone requesting a presidential pardon. Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the presidency, Herzog has the authority to pardon convicted individuals under exceptional circumstances.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, calling the proceedings a “left-wing witch-hunt” aimed at toppling his democratically elected government.
During his October visit to Jerusalem, Trump also publicly urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, joking in parliament:
Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon?
Trump has previously called for the proceedings to be cancelled altogether.
