Overview
- Israel’s presidency confirmed receiving a signed letter from President Donald Trump urging President Isaac Herzog to consider a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Trump’s letter describes the corruption cases against Netanyahu as “political persecution” and calls for ending what he terms a legal war.
- Herzog’s office reiterated that anyone seeking presidential clemency must submit an official application in accordance with the rules.
- Reporting notes that Israeli practice limits pardons to before proceedings begin or after a verdict, and Netanyahu has not filed a request while his trial continues.
- Israeli politicians split over the appeal, with Itamar Ben Gvir urging Herzog to follow Trump’s call and opposition leader Yair Lapid stressing that an admission of guilt and remorse is a prerequisite for a pardon.