Trump Sends Letter to Israeli President Herzog Urging Full Pardon for Netanyahu Amid Ongoing Corruption Trial
Washington, DC – United States President Donald J. Trump has formally requested that Israeli President Isaac Herzog grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the corruption charges against him as a “political, unjustified prosecution.” In a letter released by the Israeli President’s office on 12 November 2025, Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership and urged Herzog to pardon him to allow Netanyahu to “unite Israel” during challenging times.
The missive, penned from the White House, highlights Trump’s continued support for Netanyahu, even as the Israeli leader faces serious legal battles that have divided the nation.
The letter comes just weeks after Trump’s historic address to the Israeli Knesset during his October 2025 visit, where he publicly called for Netanyahu’s pardon. Trump’s intervention has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a gesture of solidarity and others criticising it as interference in Israel’s judicial process.
Trump’s Praise for Netanyahu and Call for Unity
In the letter, Trump expressed gratitude for Herzog’s hospitality during his recent trip and commended Netanyahu’s tenure. “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. He argued that the case against Netanyahu is politically motivated and unjustified, drawing parallels to his own legal experiences.
Trump emphasised the importance of closure: “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.” He referenced the Abraham Accords, crediting Netanyahu for advancing peace in the region and suggesting a pardon would strengthen Israel’s position.
The letter also acknowledged Israel’s independent justice system but urged Herzog to use his presidential powers to intervene. “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 stated.
This request aligns with Trump’s pro-Israel stance, having facilitated the Abraham Accords during his first term, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Netanyahu’s Legal Troubles and Public Backlash
Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges in three separate cases, accused of accepting gifts and granting favours for positive media coverage. The trial, ongoing since 2020, has polarised Israel, with supporters viewing it as a witch hunt and critics seeing it as essential for accountability.
During Trump’s Knesset speech in October 2025, he surprised attendees by calling for Netanyahu’s pardon: “It is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him.” This public plea drew applause but also criticism for meddling in domestic affairs.
Netanyahu’s office has not commented directly on the letter, but allies have welcomed Trump’s support. Opposition figures, however, argue it undermines Israel’s judiciary.
Reactions from Israeli and International Leaders
Israeli President Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the letter but stated that pardon requests must follow legal procedures: “Now that we have achieved these unprecedented successes, it is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him, and ending that lawfare once and for all.”
Political analysts suggest Trump’s move could bolster Netanyahu amid domestic protests and international scrutiny over Gaza operations. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it “embarrassing,” saying it treats Netanyahu like a “puppet.”
Internationally, the letter has fuelled debates on US-Israel relations under Trump. Supporters see it as strong backing, while critics worry about bias in Middle East policy.
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