Trump makes formal request to Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu
In a significant diplomatic move, former President Donald Trump formally requested Israeli President Isaac Herzog to consider pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently embroiled in a high-profile trial on corruption charges. In a letter shared by Herzog’s office, Trump praised Netanyahu as a “formidable and decisive” leader during a tumultuous period for Israel, highlighting his role in navigating the nation through conflict and fostering peace. Trump characterized the ongoing legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a “political, unjustified prosecution,” arguing that the Prime Minister’s focus should remain on uniting Israel rather than being distracted by legal battles.
Netanyahu’s trial, which commenced in 2020, marks a historic moment as it is the first instance of a sitting Israeli prime minister facing criminal charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Trump’s letter emphasized the need for a pardon, stating, “it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.” Despite Trump’s advocacy, Herzog’s office maintained a neutral stance, indicating that any request for a pardon must follow established legal protocols, including a formal request from Netanyahu himself. Herzog acknowledged Trump’s significant contributions to Israel, particularly in the context of hostage negotiations, but reiterated the necessity of adhering to the judicial process.
This development underscores the complex interplay of politics and law in Israel, as well as the international implications of Trump’s involvement. With Netanyahu’s trial ongoing, the call for a pardon raises questions about the influence of foreign leaders on domestic judicial matters. Trump’s previous appeals for a pardon, including a speech to the Knesset, reflect his continued engagement in Israeli affairs and his desire to support Netanyahu amidst his legal challenges. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this request will impact Netanyahu’s trial and the broader political landscape in Israel.
President
Donald Trump
on Wednesday morning made a formal request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption and fraud charges.
Trump asked Herzog to consider fully pardoning Netanyahu in a letter that Herzog’s office shared. Trump wrote that Netanyahu has been a “formidable and decisive” leader
for Israel
in a time of war and has led Israel “into a time of peace.”
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted,” reads the letter.
Trump wrote that while he “absolutely” respects the independence of the Israeli judicial system, he believes the case against Netanyahu is a “political, unjustified prosecution.”
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Netanyahu is currently
standing trial
on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. The trial, which began in 2020, marked the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister testified as a criminal defendant.
Trump wrote that “it is time to let
Bibi
unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.”
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Herzog declined to take a position on the matter, with his office issuing its own statement that a presidential pardon request must go through the proper channels, which includes the person who wants a pardon making a formal request.
The statement said that Herzog holds Trump in the “highest regard” and “continues to express his deep appreciation” for Trump’s support of Israel and his “tremendous” role in the return of hostages from Gaza.
Trump previously urged Herzog
to pardon Netanyahu
during a speech in the Israeli Knesset last month.
Fox News’ Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
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