Formal Request Made to Israeli President

In a significant political move, President Donald Trump sent a formal request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday morning, urging him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently embroiled in a corruption and fraud trial.

Praise for Netanyahu’s Leadership

Trump’s letter, which was subsequently shared by Herzog’s office, praised Netanyahu as a “formidable and decisive” leader during a tumultuous period for Israel. The letter emphasized Netanyahu’s resilience in the face of adversaries and his pivotal role in steering the nation towards peace.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted,” Trump wrote.

Defense of Judicial Independence

Despite his request, Trump made it clear that he respects the independence of the Israeli judicial system. However, he expressed his belief that the ongoing prosecution against Netanyahu is politically motivated and unjustified.

Details of Netanyahu’s Legal Troubles

Netanyahu is defending himself against a series of serious charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases. His trial, which commenced in 2020, represents a historic moment as it marks the first time a sitting prime minister in Israel has had to testify as a defendant in a criminal case.

Call for Unification

In a strong statement, Trump concluded his letter by asserting that “it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.” This reflects Trump’s ongoing support for Netanyahu amidst the turbulent political landscape in Israel.

Herzog’s Response and Legal Protocol

In response to Trump’s request, President Herzog refrained from taking a definitive stance. His office issued a statement outlining that any request for a presidential pardon must be channeled through the proper legal procedures, which requires the individual seeking a pardon to submit an official request.

Furthermore, Herzog acknowledged Trump’s influential role in supporting Israel and expressed his appreciation for Trump’s efforts, particularly in the context of securing the release of hostages from Gaza.

Trump’s Previous Appeals

This isn’t the first time Trump has publicly advocated for Netanyahu. Last month, during a speech in the Israeli Knesset, he similarly urged Herzog to consider a pardon for the Prime Minister, reiterating his solid support for Netanyahu’s leadership and the significance of his role during challenging times.