President Donald Trump is calling on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to issue a full pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu, arguing that doing so would help unite Israel and allow the country to focus on peace and security.
In a strongly worded letter to Herzog on Wednesday, Trump said the criminal cases against Netanyahu—who faces bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges—are politically motivated and without merit. Netanyahu has steadfastly denied all allegations.
“As the Great State of Israel and the amazing Jewish People move past the terribly difficult times of the last three years,” Trump wrote, “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable, decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace.”
Trump praised Netanyahu as a steadfast ally and credited his leadership during conflict, saying a pardon would allow Israel to focus on consolidating the newly achieved ceasefire with Hamas and building upon the historic Abraham Accords—a centerpiece of Trump’s Middle East diplomacy.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted,” Trump continued. “While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi, who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution.”
Trump, who has long been a staunch supporter of Israel, emphasized that Israel needs to move forward with unity and strength, free from what he called “lawfare” targeting its elected leader.
“It is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all,” he said.
President Herzog’s office responded respectfully to Trump’s letter, expressing gratitude for his “unwavering support” for Israel and his “major contributions to reshaping the Middle East.”
“The President of Israel holds President Trump in high regard and continues to express his appreciation for Trump’s unwavering support for Israel and his major contributions to the release of hostages, reshaping the Middle East and Gaza, and safeguarding Israel’s security,” Herzog’s office said.
However, the office noted that a pardon requires a formal request from Netanyahu himself before any consideration.
“That said, as the president has repeatedly clarified, anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures,” the statement added.
This isn’t the first time Trump has defended Netanyahu. In October, during a speech to the Israeli Knesset following the Gaza ceasefire, he urged that the trial be dropped altogether
