In brief
Former US President Donald Trump has formally requested Israel's President Isaac Herzog to grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently under trial for corruption charges that include bribery and fraud. Trump claims the charges are politically motivated while respecting Israel's judicial independence. Various political reactions in Israel reflect divisions on the impact of such a pardon on democratic principles and legal standards.
Donald Trump Urges Israel's President to Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel's President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from former 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 follow formal procedures.
No immediate comment has emerged from Netanyahu; however, he has previously thanked Trump for similar calls made publicly and on social media.
Netanyahu has been the focus of several corruption allegations, including receiving gifts from businessmen and attempting to influence media coverage. Last month, Trump suggested Herzog should pardon Netanyahu during a speech in the Israeli parliament, downplaying the charges as unimportant.
In his letter, Trump stated, As the Great State of Israel and the amazing Jewish People move past the terribly difficult times of the last three years, I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace.
While Trump's appeal represents support from a key ally, it also breeds contention within Israeli politics. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Herzog to heed Trump’s call, whereas opposition leader Yair Lapid cited legal protocol requiring an admission of guilt for a pardon.
For Netanyahu's supporters, a pardon is seen as a long-awaited resolution to his trial. In contrast, many Israelis view it as a potential erosion of the country's democratic principles, especially amidst ongoing concerns over judicial reforms and public protests that erupted prior to the recent conflict with Hamas.
