US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog urging him to grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Trump said he respected Israel’s judiciary but described the cases against Netanyahu as “political and unjustified,” praising him as a “formidable War Time Prime Minister.”
Herzog’s office responded diplomatically, noting that anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request under Israeli law.
Netanyahu, who thanked Trump for his “incredible support,” has denied all charges, calling the trial a “witch-hunt.”
The opposition, led by Yair Lapid, criticized Trump’s appeal as foreign interference, stressing that Israeli law requires an admission of guilt before a pardon.
Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir backed Trump’s call, while analysts warn a pardon could further polarize Israel and undermine confidence in its legal system.
