Trump calls for Netanyahu’s pardon

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Israel’s Prime Minister is currently facing allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

In a letter addressed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump has requested a full pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his ongoing corruption trial.

Netanyahu is currently implicated in three separate criminal cases, facing charges that include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. If convicted, the bribery accusations alone could lead to a sentence of up to ten years, with the fraud and breach of trust charges each carrying a potential maximum of three years.

“While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that the ‘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 stated in the formal letter, which was released by Herzog’s office on Wednesday.

“I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Although Trump has consistently advocated for Netanyahu’s pardon, this marks the initial formal request directed to President Herzog regarding the issue, signifying an unusual direct intervention by a US leader in the internal legal affairs of a key ally.

Responding to the communication, Herzog’s office reportedly acknowledged its high regard for Trump but clarified that any individual seeking a presidential pardon must formally apply through the established legal channels.

Despite his largely ceremonial position, President Herzog does retain the power to issue pardons. Nevertheless, such requests are required to be submitted by the accused party themselves, their legal counsel, or a family member. As of now, neither Netanyahu nor any of his close associates has submitted such an application.

The Jerusalem Post reported that a presidential pardon cannot be issued at this current phase of the trial. Pardons are only permissible either before legal proceedings begin or following the delivery of a verdict, neither of which conditions have been met yet.

Netanyahu, who was indicted in 2019, maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial, which began in 2020, has been subject to multiple postponements and is anticipated to extend over several additional years.