U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his long-running corruption trial, prompting debate over potential U.S. influence in Israeli internal affairs.

In a letter, Trump described the case against Netanyahu as a “political, unjustified prosecution” and praised him as a “formidable and decisive wartime prime minister” now leading Israel toward peace. Trump had previously called for a pardon during a speech to the Knesset last month while promoting his Gaza ceasefire plan.

Netanyahu, charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases, has denied wrongdoing and labeled the trial a media-orchestrated witch hunt. He expressed gratitude to Trump on X, calling the support “incredible” and reaffirming their partnership on security and peace.

Israel’s presidency is largely ceremonial, though the president can grant pardons. Herzog acknowledged receiving the letter but noted that any pardon request must follow formal legal procedures. Opposition leader Yair Lapid and legal experts warned that a pardon without a formal request or admission of guilt would be highly unusual and could undermine the rule of law.

The Trump intervention has raised broader concerns about American influence over Israeli policies, particularly regarding Gaza security. Visits by senior U.S. officials earlier this year sparked media scrutiny, though both Netanyahu and U.S. officials dismissed claims of interference.