Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed receiving a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump requesting a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption.
In a statement released Tuesday, Herzog said he had received Trump’s appeal but emphasized that he could not act on such a request. The president reiterated that decisions regarding pardons must adhere to Israel’s legal framework and cannot be influenced by external figures.
Netanyahu faces three separate cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated attempts to remove him from power.
President Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, underscored the independence of Israel’s judiciary and affirmed that any consideration of a pardon would be made only in accordance with the country’s legal process.
President Herzog’s statement reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.
The trials, along with the controversy surrounding Trump’s letter, continue to draw global attention as Israel’s leadership navigates one of the most complex legal battles in its history.