U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, sparking criticism and concerns about American interference in Israel’s internal affairs.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Trump described the charges against Netanyahu as a “political, unjustified prosecution” and praised him as a “decisive wartime leader” now guiding Israel toward peace. This marks Trump’s second public call for a pardon, following a similar appeal during his Knesset speech last month while promoting his Gaza ceasefire proposal.
Netanyahu, accused of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, denies the allegations and calls the case a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
Herzog confirmed receiving Trump’s letter but said any pardon request must follow formal legal procedures.
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The move has drawn sharp reactions in Israel, with critics warning that U.S. involvement could undermine judicial independence. Opposition leader Yair Lapid noted that under Israeli law, a pardon requires an admission of guilt, making Trump’s request legally and politically complex.
Analysts also cautioned that granting a pardon under such pressure could erode public trust in the rule of law.
Source: AP