Overview
- Herzog’s office released Trump’s letter calling Netanyahu’s case a “political, unjustified prosecution” and praising him as a wartime leader.
- Herzog acknowledged Trump’s support for Israel but emphasized that no pardon can be considered without a proper request, which Netanyahu has not submitted.
- Netanyahu is on trial in three corruption cases dating to a 2019 indictment, has pleaded not guilty, and has testified in court as proceedings continue.
- Legal experts and opposition figures noted that Israeli clemency is typically post‑conviction and may require an admission of guilt, making a pre‑verdict pardon highly unusual.
- The move drew sharply divided reactions in Israel and renewed concerns about external pressure on the country’s legal process.