Trump Urges Israel to Pardon Netanyahu as Herzog Cites Formal Process

Overview

• President Isaac Herzog's office confirmed receiving a signed letter from U.S. President Donald Trump urging an end to the prosecutions and a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Herzog's office said a presidential pardon requires an official petition submitted under established procedures.
• No formal request has been filed, and the Netanyahu cases continue in the Tel Aviv District Court.
• In the letter published by leading Israeli outlets, Trump wrote that he respects Israel's judiciary but called the proceedings unwarranted and urged clemency so Netanyahu could unite the country, citing Hamas being under control.
• Netanyahu faces Case 4000 for alleged bribery tied to Bezeq and Walla and Cases 2000 and 1000 for fraud and breach of trust, including gifts from producer Arnon Milchan valued at nearly $300,000.