The President of the United States said that the judicial process against the Prime Minister is an unjustified political persecution
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Five years after the start of the trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump officially asked President Isaac Herzog to grant a presidential pardon.
In a letter sent, Trump wrote: "It's time to allow Bibi to unite Israel by pardoning him and putting an end once and for all to this judicial war."
This is Trump's first formal request on the matter, although he had already publicly expressed his support for Netanyahu on social media and during his recent speech at the Knesset.
The letter adds to a letter signed last month by more than a dozen Likud ministers and members of parliament, who also requested a pardon from Herzog.
Trump's letter requesting a pardon for Netanyahu
The president's circle clarified that, by law, a pardon can only be granted before a trial begins or after a verdict is issued, and that the procedure must be initiated through a formal request from the accused himself or someone close to him. So far, Netanyahu hasn't submitted such a request.
In his letter, Trump praised the prime minister's career, highlighting his leadership during the war and his firmness in the face of enemies such as Iran.
"Netanyahu has defended Israel against strong adversaries and in difficult circumstances. I believe this judicial process is an unjustified political persecution," he wrote.
Netanyahu was charged in 2020 with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in cases 1000, 2000, and 4000, charges he has always denied.
The trial is currently in the cross-examination phase and, according to analysts, has lasted much longer than usual, in a highly tense political and judicial context.
Trump emphasized that, after the "enormous achievements" reached in recent months—including the release of hostages and diplomatic advances with Arab countries under the Abraham Accords—the time has come to close a chapter.
"Israel needs unity and leadership. Netanyahu has been a decisive prime minister in times of war and now is guiding the country toward peace," he stated.
Herzog's office thanked him for the letter and highlighted "the president's deep appreciation for Trump for his constant support of Israel and his crucial role in the country's security." However, it reiterated that "every pardon must be processed according to established legal procedures."
