In a dramatic turn that has sent ripples through both Israeli and international political circles, U.S. President Donald Trump has formally called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing a long-running corruption trial. The letter, delivered on November 12, 2025, marks Trump’s most direct and official intervention yet in the legal affairs of one of America’s closest Middle Eastern allies, according to multiple reports, including those from RT, The Jerusalem Post, and Press Association.
Netanyahu’s legal troubles are nothing short of historic. He is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial while holding office, facing three separate criminal cases on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison for bribery and up to three years each for fraud and breach of trust. The cases, which began with an indictment in 2019, allege that Netanyahu received nearly ILS 700,000 (approximately $211,832) in gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors. Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty and steadfastly denies any wrongdoing, labeling the proceedings a “witch hunt” orchestrated by his political opponents in the media, police, and judiciary.
Trump’s letter, shared by Herzog’s office and widely circulated in Israeli media, was unequivocal in its support for Netanyahu. “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace,” Trump wrote. He went on to describe the prosecution as a “political, unjustified prosecution,” emphasizing Netanyahu’s alliance with him against Iran and his leadership during turbulent times. “While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that the ‘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 stated in the letter, as reported by RT and The Jerusalem Post.
The response from Herzog’s office was measured but firm. While expressing respect for Trump’s “unwavering support of Israel, his immense contribution to the return of the hostages, the transformation of the Middle East and Gaza, and the safeguarding of Israel’s security,” the office clarified that Israeli law requires a formal pardon request to be submitted by the accused, their legal representatives, or a family member. To date, neither Netanyahu nor any of his associates have filed such a petition. As The Jerusalem Post noted, a presidential pardon is only possible before a trial begins or after a verdict is reached—neither of which currently applies to Netanyahu’s ongoing trial.
Netanyahu’s trial, which began in May 2020, has been repeatedly delayed, in part due to his responsibilities during wars and unrest following Hamas-led attacks in October 2023. His own testimony started in December 2024 but has faced frequent postponements, most at his own request. Legal experts, such as Amir Fuchs of the Israel Democracy Institute, point out that Israeli law typically requires an admission of guilt and an expression of remorse before a pardon can be considered. “Pardon is a word for forgiveness, a pardon without some kind of admission of guilt is very unusual and even illegal,” Fuchs told Press Association. Opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed this, reminding the public that “Israeli law clearly stipulates that the first condition for a presidential pardon is admitting guilt and expressing remorse.”
The political reaction within Israel has been sharply divided. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Herzog to “listen to President Trump,” claiming that the indictments against Netanyahu “have long since become an indictment against the prosecution itself.” On the other hand, Lapid and other opposition figures have warned that granting a pardon without the necessary legal prerequisites could undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent. “The message will be undermining of rule of law,” Fuchs added, cautioning against what he sees as a potential “green light” to corruption.
Trump’s intervention has not been limited to private correspondence. During a visit to Israel in October 2025, he called for a pardon in a speech to the Israeli parliament, receiving a standing ovation from Netanyahu’s allies. This public advocacy has raised concerns about the extent of American influence on Israeli internal affairs, particularly at a time when senior U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have made high-profile visits to the region. Israeli media have even coined the term “Bibi-sitting” to describe the presence of American officials ensuring Israel’s adherence to ceasefire agreements in Gaza.
The international context surrounding Trump’s request is fraught with tension. Just days before Trump’s letter, Turkey issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and 36 other Israeli officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The International Criminal Court has also labeled Netanyahu a war criminal. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has resulted in at least 68,875 Palestinian deaths, including 20,000 children, and over 170,000 wounded, according to UN investigators who have described the events as genocide. Trump’s letter comes on the heels of a temporary pause in hostilities and ongoing debates over humanitarian aid and ceasefire enforcement.
This is not the first time Trump has sought to intervene in the legal affairs of international allies. In July, he urged Brazilian authorities to drop charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was later convicted of plotting a coup. Earlier in 2025, Trump publicly defended French far-right leader Marine Le Pen after she was barred from running for office for embezzling EU funds. “The Witch Hunt against Marine Le Pen is another example of European Leftists using Lawfare to silence Free Speech, and censor their Political Opponent, this time going so far as to put that Opponent in prison,” Trump posted on social media. Such interventions have drawn criticism for encouraging impunity among populist and nationalist leaders worldwide.
For now, Netanyahu’s trial continues, mired in procedural delays and political controversy. Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial but who holds the power to grant pardons, has so far declined to indicate how he would respond to a formal request from Netanyahu. He has publicly expressed a preference for a negotiated settlement between Netanyahu and the prosecution, rather than a presidential pardon that could further divide the nation.
As the legal drama unfolds, the question of whether outside pressure—from Trump or any other foreign leader—can or should influence the course of justice in Israel remains hotly debated. The outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for Netanyahu’s political future but also for the broader relationship between Israel and its allies, and for the principle of judicial independence in democracies under strain.
