In a dramatic international intervention, former U.S. President Donald Trump has formally requested that Israeli President Isaac Herzog grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who currently faces multiple corruption charges. The unprecedented move, confirmed by Herzog's office on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, sees Trump directly involving himself in Israel's domestic legal affairs.
Trump's Direct Appeal to Israeli Leadership
The letter from Trump to Herzog argues that Netanyahu requires a pardon to fully focus on his duties as prime minister during a critical period for Israel. Trump specifically described the ongoing legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a 'political, unjustified prosecution' and called for an end to what he termed 'lawfare.' The former American president emphasized Netanyahu's role as a 'formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister' who should not have his attention 'unnecessarily diverted' by the trial.
Trump's correspondence highlighted his belief that Israel is moving 'past the terribly difficult times of the last three years' and that Netanyahu is currently 'leading Israel into a time of peace.' The letter also referenced Trump's continued work with Middle East leaders to expand the Abraham Accords, suggesting that Netanyahu's leadership is crucial to these diplomatic efforts.
Israeli President's Measured Response
President Herzog's office issued a carefully worded response acknowledging receipt of Trump's letter while emphasizing established legal procedures. The Israeli president's statement expressed 'deep appreciation' for Trump's 'unwavering support for Israel' and recognized his contributions to hostage returns and regional security. However, the response made clear that any pardon request must follow official channels.
'Anyone seeking a Presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures,' the statement from Herzog's office noted. This response maintains the integrity of Israel's legal system while diplomatically acknowledging Trump's unusual intervention. The exchange represents a significant moment in U.S.-Israel relations, with a former American president directly engaging in another country's judicial process.
Background of Netanyahu's Legal Challenges
Prime Minister Netanyahu faces corruption charges in three separate cases that have been proceeding through Israel's legal system. In Cases 1000 and 2000, Netanyahu faces charges of 'breach of trust,' while Case 4000 involves more serious allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The legal proceedings have been ongoing for several years, creating political complications for the Israeli leader.
Trump's letter follows his recent comments on CBS News' '60 Minutes' program on November 2, where he first indicated he would 'help out' with Netanyahu's trial. During that interview, Trump stated, 'I don't think they treat him very well. He's under trial for some things and I don't think they treat him very well. We'll be involved in that to help him out a little bit because I think it's very unfair.'
The former president had previously floated the pardon idea during his address to the Knesset in Jerusalem on October 13, where he publicly suggested to Herzog, 'Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon. Come on.' During that speech, Trump dismissed the significance of some allegations, particularly those involving gifts, remarking, 'And cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?'
The developing situation continues to draw international attention as it intersects diplomatic relations, legal proceedings, and domestic politics in both Israel and the United States.
