On November 12, 2025, Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly confirmed that he had received a letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is currently facing trial in three separate corruption cases, charges he has consistently denied, while his supporters argue that the legal proceedings are politically motivated.
The letter from Trump arrived amid a highly charged political atmosphere in Israel, where Netanyahu’s legal battles have stirred deep divisions. Netanyahu, often referred to by his nickname “Bibi,” stands accused in multiple cases involving alleged corruption and attempts to influence media coverage. One case alleges that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, accepted luxury gifts valued at over $260,000—including cigars, jewelry, and champagne—from wealthy businessmen in exchange for favors. The other two cases involve accusations that Netanyahu tried to secure favorable coverage from two Israeli media outlets.
In his letter, Trump framed his call for a pardon within the context of what he described as a historic moment of peace between Israel and its neighbors. He wrote to Herzog, emphasizing that the two nations had recently secured a peace accord that had been sought for some 3,000 years. Trump praised Netanyahu as a “formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister” and expressed his belief that the criminal cases against him were politically motivated and unjustified prosecutions. While also acknowledging the independence of Israel’s judicial system, Trump urged Herzog to grant a full pardon, framing it as a necessary step to unify the country and end what he called “lawfare” against Netanyahu.
This call for clemency came shortly after Trump’s speech to the Israeli Knesset in October, during which he publicly expressed his support for Netanyahu in a somewhat off-script moment. Addressing the Israeli lawmakers, Trump singled out Netanyahu, saying, “By the way, that was not in the speech, as you probably know! But I happen to like this gentleman right over here, and it just seems to make so much sense.” Trump’s endorsement highlighted the close ties between the two political figures and underscored the former president’s continued involvement in Israeli affairs despite no longer holding office.
President Herzog’s office issued a statement confirming receipt of the letter but clarified that a presidential pardon cannot be granted based solely on an external request, even one from a high-profile international figure like Trump. The statement emphasized that any request for a pardon must follow established legal procedures within Israel. Herzog himself reportedly holds Trump “in the highest regard” and appreciates his consistent support for Israel, but the process for considering a pardon remains firmly grounded in domestic law and protocol.
Netanyahu responded to Trump’s letter with gratitude, posting a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He thanked Trump for his “incredible support,” noting that the former president “gets right to the point and calls it like it is.” Netanyahu expressed optimism about the future, stating his eagerness to continue working closely with Trump to strengthen security and broaden peace in the region.
The timing of Trump’s intervention is significant. Netanyahu’s current term as prime minister began in late 2022, during which he proposed extensive judicial reforms. These reforms were widely criticized as attempts to weaken the independence of Israel’s courts, sparking massive protests across the country. The demonstrations only subsided with the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023, which shifted national priorities and political dynamics.
Trump’s own political history colors his involvement in Netanyahu’s legal troubles. The former U.S. president has long accused his political adversaries of weaponizing the Justice Department to target him during his time out of office. Since returning to the White House, Trump has overseen a Justice Department led by his appointees, who have pursued investigations and prosecutions against officials from the Biden administration. For instance, in September 2025, Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate prominent figures such as former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. Both Comey and James have since been indicted on criminal charges, reflecting a broader effort by Trump’s administration to challenge his political opponents through legal means.
The Israeli legal cases against Netanyahu have yet to result in any rulings, and the prime minister remains a highly polarizing figure. His supporters argue that the charges are part of a politically motivated campaign to remove him from power, while his detractors maintain that the corruption allegations are serious and warrant full judicial scrutiny. Trump’s letter and public backing add a complex