Trump Urges Israeli President to Pardon Netanyahu in Corruption Case
JERUSALEM – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a letter to israeli President Isaac Herzog requesting a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial facing charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. The request, confirmed by Herzog’s office on Wednesday, mirrors a public appeal Trump made during a speech to the Israeli Parliament in October.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on three separate charges, including accepting approximately 700,000 shekels (roughly $1.1 million USD) in gifts from business associates, such as champagne and cigars, which he denies receiving illicitly.
During his October address, Trump downplayed the severity of the accusations, stating, “Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon? Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?”
Trump reiterated his support for Netanyahu in June, calling for the trial to be canceled and labeling it a “witch hunt” aimed at removing a right-wing leader. Netanyahu himself has characterized the legal proceedings as a politically motivated effort by the left wing.
While the Israeli President’s role is largely ceremonial, he possesses the constitutional authority to grant pardons in remarkable circumstances. Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing conflict and unrest in the Middle East. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
