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Trump Urges Israeli President to Pardon Netanyahu, Calls Charges “Unjustified”
Former US President Donald Trump asks Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon PM Benjamin Netanyahu, calling corruption charges “political” and praising his leadership during the Gaza conflict. Herzog responds that a formal process is required.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-12
Trump Urges Israeli President to Pardon Netanyahu, Calls Charges “Unjustified”

Former US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing the corruption charges against Netanyahu as “political” and “unjustified”.

Trump’s letter, sent on Wednesday, follows a US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza that took effect a month ago, bringing a fragile truce amid ongoing Israeli attacks and aid restrictions. In his message, Trump praised Netanyahu’s role in the conflict, which United Nations investigators have described as a genocide, noting that over 69,000 Palestinians, including at least 20,000 children, were killed.

“I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace,” Trump wrote, highlighting Netanyahu’s role in advancing the Abraham Accords and regional peace efforts.

Several Israeli media outlets posted a copy of the letter on Wednesday, marking another instance of Trump inserting himself into domestic Israeli politics. Earlier, he had made similar calls directly to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

In response, President Herzog emphasized that a pardon must follow the designated legal process and cannot be granted until a verdict is reached. The Israeli presidency, while largely ceremonial, retains the power to issue pardons once formal requests are submitted.

“The president holds great respect for President Trump and appreciates his unwavering support of Israel,” the Israeli presidency stated. “Without detracting from the above, anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures.”

Trump has previously faced multiple criminal charges in the US, including cases related to election interference, which he has repeatedly described as a “witch hunt.”

The letter underlines Trump’s growing support for right-wing leaders internationally and his continued influence on geopolitics in the Middle East.
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Israel

Donald trump

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