Overview
- The U.S. president sent a formal letter to President Isaac Herzog requesting a full pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- In the letter, he argued clemency would foster national unity, described the charges as political, and said the legal fight should end after gains against Hamas.
- Herzog acknowledged the appeal and noted that under Israeli practice only a request filed by Netanyahu can initiate a pardon process.
- Opposition leader Yair Lapid rejected foreign intervention, emphasizing Israeli sovereignty and saying pardons typically require admission of guilt and remorse.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Herzog to follow the recommendation, while Netanyahu continues trial in Tel Aviv in Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000 alongside a 2024 ICC warrant.