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President Donald Trump has formally asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling the corruption charges against the Israeli leader a “political, unjustified prosecution” in a letter released Wednesday.
The president praised Netanyahu as a “formidable and decisive wartime Prime Minister” and urged Herzog to end what he described as “lawfare” against the longtime Israeli leader.
“It is my honor to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years,” President Trump wrote. “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive wartime Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace.”
President Trump added that Netanyahu’s “attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted” and said the case against him is politically motivated. “I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi, who has fought alongside me for a long time… is a political, unjustified prosecution,” he wrote.
The letter follows President Trump’s October address to the Knesset, where he publicly asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, prompting applause and chants of “Bibi, Bibi!” from members of the Israeli parliament.
In Wednesday’s letter, President Trump said his relationship with Herzog has centered on achieving peace and securing the release of hostages.
“Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all,” his letter concluded.
Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the letter, saying the president “holds President Trump in the highest regard” and appreciates his “unwavering support for Israel,” but noted that Israeli law requires any pardon request to be submitted formally by the individual or a family member after legal proceedings conclude.
Netanyahu declined to comment on the letter when asked at Tel Aviv District Court, where he continues to testify in his defense. During the same session, Netanyahu referenced global attention on his case. “You’re trying to create a problem that doesn’t exist,” he told prosecutors. “World leaders are astonished, and I’m not exaggerating. None of them believe it.”