Trump asks Israel's President to pardon Netanyahu
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, asking him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption, The Times of Israel reports.
In his letter, Trump referred to the end of the war between Israel and Hamas and praised Netanyahu's determination.
He emphasized that he absolutely respects "the independence of the Israeli Justice System", but described the corruption charges against Netanyahu as a "political, unjustified prosecution."
"Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all," Trump noted.
The trial against Netanyahu is ongoing. The Israeli Prime Minister faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases.
The President’s Office in Jerusalem responded that Herzog holds great respect for Trump but stressed that "anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures." So far, neither Netanyahu nor his family members have done so.
Earlier, Istanbul's prosecutor general issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu has previously said he intends to run again in the upcoming elections and seek another term as Prime Minister. Israel's next elections are scheduled for October 2026.
