US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to the President of Israel requesting him to pardon the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the long-running corruption case. Due to this development, concerns are being raised about American influence in the country.
This was Trump’s latest attempt to interfere in the matter on Netanyahu’s behalf, raising questions about America’s undue influence in Israel’s internal affairs.
Trump had also requested to pardon Netanyahu during his speech in the Israeli Parliament last month. He paid a brief visit to Israel in connection with his ceasefire plan for the war in Gaza.
In a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, Trump called the corruption case a “political and unfair prosecution.”
“As the great State of Israel and the wonderful Jewish people move forward from the extremely difficult times of the past three years, I call on you to fully pardon (Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive Prime Minister in times of war, and now leads Israel into times of peace,” Trump wrote in the letter.
Netanyahu is the only prime minister in Israel’s history who is being prosecuted. Charges of cheating, breach of trust and taking bribe have been filed against him in three separate cases. He has been accused of favoring wealthy political supporters.
Netanyahu rejected these allegations and condemned it in Trump-like language, calling it a fabricated conspiracy hatched by the media, police and judiciary.
Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Trump in a late Thursday post on X, though it was not apparently related to the pardon request. “President Trump, thank you for your amazing support,” he wrote. As always, you get straight to the point and say it as it is. I look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen security and expand peace.”
Netanyahu has testified several times, but the case has been repeatedly delayed because of his handling of the war and unrest that began following Hamas terrorist attacks in October 2023. The presidency of Israel is largely a ceremonial one, but the President has the power to grant pardons.
President Herzog acknowledged receipt of the letter, but said that anyone seeking clemency would have to submit a formal request. He declined to say how he would respond to Netanyahu’s request.
The Israeli president has said publicly only that he believes the trial has been a source of distraction and division for the country and that he wants Netanyahu and prosecutors to reach an agreement.
