US President writes to Israeli leader seeking clemency for embattled PM facing corruption charges
Donald Trump has sent another letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog requesting a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently standing trial on corruption allegations in three separate cases.
In correspondence made public by Herzog’s office on Wednesday, Trump described the current moment as “historic” following recent peace agreements, claiming they represent peace “that has been sought for at least 3,000 years.”
The US President characterized Netanyahu as “a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister” and called the prosecution “political” and “unjustified,” while acknowledging respect for Israeli judicial independence.
The Legal Cases
Netanyahu has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, which commenced in 2020 and remain ongoing. The charges include:
- Allegedly accepting luxury items valued at over $260,000 from wealthy businesspeople in return for political assistance, with prosecutors claiming the gifts included cigars, jewelry, and champagne
- Two additional cases involving alleged attempts to secure more favorable media coverage from Israeli news organizations
The prime minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, faces accusations in one of the cases alongside her husband.
Presidential Response
This marks at least the second time Herzog has declined Trump’s pardon request. While the Israeli presidency is primarily ceremonial, the position does hold pardon powers for convicted individuals under exceptional circumstances. However, Netanyahu has not been convicted, as his trials continue.
Herzog’s office released a statement Wednesday noting the president’s “highest regard” for Trump and appreciation for American support of Israel, while emphasizing that pardon applications must follow “established procedures” through formal channels.
Political Developments
The pardon request comes amid significant shifts in Israeli politics. Ron Dermer, who served as strategic affairs minister and acted as a crucial link between Netanyahu and Washington since 2022, announced his resignation Tuesday.
Dermer, a former US ambassador who led the negotiations culminating in last month’s Gaza ceasefire agreement, has faced criticism from multiple angles. Some accuse him of inadequate efforts to end the Gaza conflict sooner, while others suggest he enabled Netanyahu to prolong the war to maintain power and avoid potential legal consequences.
In his departure letter, Dermer cited a commitment to his family to limit his service to two years. He praised Netanyahu’s leadership and highlighted what he described as successful efforts against Iranian-backed forces in the region.
Broader Context
The Gaza ceasefire that took effect last month has resulted in Hamas releasing 20 living hostages and returning remains of 24 deceased captives. The original Hamas attack in October 2023 resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, with 250 people taken hostage. Four bodies await return.
The subsequent Israeli military campaign has caused nearly 69,000 deaths in Gaza, with the majority being civilians, according to available figures.
Most Israelis support establishing an independent state inquiry, overseen by a supreme court-appointed panel, to examine the security failures that allowed the 2023 Hamas incursion. Netanyahu rejected renewed calls for such an investigation Monday, suggesting alternative formats would be preferable. Opposition figures worry a government-led commission would lack sufficient authority and be more susceptible to political influence.
Elections are scheduled within the year, though some analysts anticipate they may occur sooner. Political expert Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House suggests Dermer’s departure will have limited impact, noting that while Netanyahu loses a trusted confidant, Dermer lacks significant political support within Israel itself.
