Overview
- Israel’s presidency confirmed receipt of Trump’s letter and reiterated that pardons follow set procedures, with no request filed by Netanyahu.
- Trump’s letter, released by Herzog’s office, labels the case against Netanyahu a political prosecution and ties a pardon to recent hostage and regional diplomacy gains.
- Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on bribery, fraud and breach of trust, has pleaded not guilty, and continues to testify in his ongoing trial.
- Israeli reactions split quickly, with Yair Lapid citing requirements such as admitting guilt and Itamar Ben Gvir praising the call for a pardon.
- News coverage characterizes the appeal as a rare U.S. intervention in an ally’s legal process that could raise concerns about judicial independence.