Trump Calls On Israeli President To Pardon Netanyahu, Slams ‘Unjustified Prosecution’
President Donald Trump is calling on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to issue a full pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denouncing the ongoing prosecution against the Israeli leader as politically motivated and harmful to national unity.
In a letter released Wednesday, Trump urged Herzog to act swiftly, suggesting that clearing Netanyahu’s legal troubles would allow Israel to heal and focus on maintaining regional peace following the newly brokered ceasefire with Hamas.
“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 framed the ongoing legal cases against Netanyahu—who faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases—as nothing more than “political, unjustified prosecution.” He emphasized that the accusations are meritless and distracting Israel’s leadership at a time when stability is essential.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds,” Trump stated. “His attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted. 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… is a political, unjustified prosecution.”
Trump made clear that the pardon would not just benefit Netanyahu, but also serve Israel’s national interest.
“It is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him and ending that lawfare once and for all,” he wrote.
The Israeli President’s office acknowledged receipt of Trump’s letter and issued a diplomatic response, praising Trump’s continued support for Israel while affirming that any consideration of a pardon must come through the proper channels.
“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 in a statement.
“That said, as the president has repeatedly clarified, anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with established procedures.”
This isn’t Trump’s first call to dismiss Netanyahu’s legal battles. In a speech to the Knesset in October following the Gaza ceasefire, he called for the trial to be dropped and publicly stood by the Prime Minister, who he described as a key ally in the fight against Iran and in expanding the Abraham Accords.
Trump’s letter reinforces his continuing role as a major player in Middle East diplomacy and signals his belief that internal legal warfare is undermining democratic leaders facing existential threats. Whether Herzog will act on the request remains to be seen, but Trump’s message is likely to stir debate inside Israel—and across global political circles—about lawfare, leadership, and wartime unity.