- Former U.S. President Donald Trump has formally requested Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a letter confirmed by Herzog's office.
- The Israeli President's office responded by clarifying that pardon requests must follow established legal procedures, signaling adherence to protocol over external pressure.
- The intervention comes as Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial continues, injecting new complexity into Israel's domestic political and legal landscape.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog received a signed letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to consider pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Herzog's office confirmed Wednesday. The unprecedented diplomatic move places direct pressure on Israel's judicial system amid Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial.
In a carefully worded response, Herzog's office thanked Trump for his letter but emphasized that "anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures." This formulation appears to rebuff the unusual request while maintaining diplomatic courtesy. The clarification underscores Israel's commitment to legal norms, where presidential pardon powers are typically exercised only after formal applications from convicted individuals or their representatives—not through external lobbying from foreign leaders.
Trump's intervention marks a significant escalation in international involvement in Israel's domestic legal affairs. The two leaders maintained close political alignment during Trump's presidency, particularly on issues like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and the Abraham Accords. This latest move demonstrates Trump's continued support for Netanyahu as the prime minister faces multiple corruption charges that have stretched over several years.
Legal experts note that Herzog's response effectively maintains the status quo, ensuring that any pardon consideration would follow standard legal channels rather than political pressure. Netanyahu has not publicly indicated whether he would formally seek a pardon, and his trial continues through normal judicial proceedings. The prime minister maintains his innocence regarding all charges.
The development comes at a sensitive political moment in Israel, where Netanyahu's legal situation has been a polarizing force in domestic politics. Public reaction to Trump's letter has been mixed, with some viewing it as inappropriate foreign interference while others see it as valuable international support for the embattled leader.
Attempts to reach representatives from both Trump's organization and Netanyahu's office for additional comment were not immediately successful Wednesday evening. Herzog's office declined to provide further details beyond their initial statement.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the day the letter was confirmed; it was Wednesday, not Tuesday.