Former US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, formally requesting a "full pardon" for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr. Netanyahu is currently on trial facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.
In his communication, Mr. Trump stated that he "absolutely" respects the independence of Israel's justice system. However, he expressed his belief that Mr. Netanyahu is subject to "a political, unjustified prosecution."
President Herzog's office acknowledged receipt of the letter, stating that the President holds Mr. Trump "in the highest regard" and appreciates his support for Israel. The office also indicated that any individual seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures.
Mr. Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the letter, though he has previously acknowledged similar public statements from Mr. Trump.
Netanyahu's Trial Details
Mr. Netanyahu became the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial in 2020. The charges against him include:
- Case 1: Allegations of receiving gifts, primarily cigars and champagne, from businessmen in exchange for favors.
- Case 2: Accusations of offering to assist in improving the circulation of an Israeli newspaper in exchange for positive media coverage.
- Case 3: Allegations of promoting regulatory decisions beneficial to the controlling shareholder of an Israeli telecoms company in return for favorable coverage on a news website.
Mr. Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty to all charges, characterizing the trial as a "witch-hunt" by political opponents.
Previous Statements and Pardon Process
Last month, Mr. Trump publicly suggested that President Herzog should pardon Mr. Netanyahu during a speech to the Israeli parliament. He remarked, "Cigars and Champagne, who the hell cares about that?" In his letter, Mr. Trump reiterated his view of Mr. Netanyahu as a "formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister" who is "leading Israel into a time of peace." He further added that the "case" against Mr. Netanyahu, referred to as "Bibi," who "has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution."
Under Israel's Basic Law, the president possesses the authority to pardon individuals or reduce sentences. The High Court of Justice has previously ruled that a president may issue a pardon before a conviction, provided it serves the public interest or involves extreme personal circumstances. A pardon also requires a formal request from the accused or a close relative. No such public request has been made by Mr. Netanyahu or his family to date, though speculation regarding this possibility has appeared in Israeli media.