Overview
- The Israeli presidency confirmed receiving a signed Nov. 12 letter in which President Trump calls the cases against Benjamin Netanyahu an unjust political prosecution.
- Herzog’s office acknowledged the outreach but reiterated that pardon petitions must be formally submitted by the person concerned and are generally possible only before proceedings begin or after a verdict.
- Netanyahu faces multiple domestic cases alleging corruption, fraud and breach of trust, and his trial is underway in a counter‑interrogation phase with no pardon request filed.
- Israeli politicians responded immediately, with Itamar Ben Gvir urging Herzog to follow Trump’s appeal and opposition leader Yair Lapid noting rules that require admission of guilt and remorse.
- Trump previously proposed a pardon during an October speech to the Knesset, and Netanyahu also faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to Gaza operations, according to reports.