Donald Trump Sends Pardon Letter to Israeli President
U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog asking that he pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, repeating more formally a previous request made during his speech to the Knesset last month.
The move adds pressure on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, a polarizing figure in Israel but a staunch ally of Trump’s, and is a rare direct intervention in the legal processes of an allied democracy by a U.S. president, one that could undermine its judiciary’s independence. Trump sees Netanyahu’s legal troubles as an echo of his own in the U.S., which he has called a “witch hunt.”
“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 said in his letter, widely published in Israeli media.
“Isaac, we have established a great relationship, one that I am very thankful for and honored by, and we agreed as soon as I was inaugurated in January that the focus had to be centered on finally bringing the hostages home and getting the peace agreement done.
“Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, and are keeping Hamas in check, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.”
Trump had earlier asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during an address to the Knesset in October. “Hey, I have an idea Mr President: Why don’t you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon, come on,” Trump said, pointing at Netanyahu.
Pro-Netanyahu lawmakers gave Trump a long standing ovation and shouted Netanyahu’s nickname: “Bibi! Bibi!”
Trump went on: “By the way, that was not in the speech, you probably know.”
Pointing at Herzog, he said: “But I happen to like this gentleman over here, and it just seems to make so much sense.”
He described Netanyahu as “one of the greatest” wartime leaders, adding: “And cigars and Champagne, who the hell cares?”
Trump was addressing the Knesset to mark the successful first phase of his peace plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
What Is Netanyahu Charged With?
The Israeli prime minister was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including extravagant gifts. He denies all the charges and has cast the trial as being politically motivated.
The Israeli justice ministry announced the indictments in three cases in 2019, after years of investigations.
Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, have earned a reputation in Israel for enjoying an expensive lifestyle at the public's expense.
Prosecutors allege he traded regulatory favors with media executives for positive coverage and accepted expensive gifts from a billionaire.
The trial has seen around 140 witnesses testify, including some of Netanyahu’s closest former allies.
Evidence submitted includes recordings, text messages, and police documents. Notably, testimony from key figures including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan has brought to light extravagant gifts allegedly given to Netanyahu and his wife, including Champagne and cigars.
The trial was delayed in June on diplomatic and security grounds.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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This story was originally published November 12, 2025 at 6:28 AM.