S Arefin 
Pardon request: Trump writes to Herzog
US President Donald Trump has formally asked Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a letter, Trump called the corruption cases “political” and “unjustified,” praising Netanyahu as a “formidable” leader. Israel’s presidency confirmed receipt of the letter on Wednesday. The appeal follows earlier public calls from Trump for a pardon.
Corruption charges: what Netanyahu faces
Netanyahu is on trial in three cases that include allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies wrongdoing. The proceedings began in 2020 and have continued with dozens of witnesses. A conviction on bribery could carry significant prison time under Israeli law.
Truce context: Gaza ceasefire and politics
Trump’s letter arrived weeks after a fragile ceasefire in Gaza brokered with US involvement. The truce eased some fighting but left disputes over aid and attacks unresolved. As a result, the pardon request landed in an already tense political climate. Analysts say the move aims to bolster Netanyahu’s standing at home.
Legal authority: what a presidential pardon allows
Under Israel’s Basic Law, the president has broad pardon powers, including commuting sentences and cancelling proceedings. However, there is little precedent for halting a trial of a sitting prime minister. Legal scholars note at least one historic pre-trial pardon in the 1980s, but the circumstances differed. Debate now centers on timing and whether a pardon would short-circuit the court process.
Reactions: allies, critics, and next steps
The request sparked mixed reactions across Israel and abroad. Supporters argued a pardon could unify a divided country after war. Critics warned it would politicize the justice system and strain democratic norms. Herzog’s office has not indicated how he will respond, and the trial continues meanwhile.
Why it matters for US–Israel ties
Trump’s intervention underscores Washington’s continuing political stake in Israel’s leadership and wartime decisions. Any pardon could reshape Netanyahu’s future and the coalition dynamics in Jerusalem. It could also influence ceasefire diplomacy if domestic pressures on Netanyahu ease. For now, legal proceedings and political negotiations will run in parallel.
Image: REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo
About The Author
Sultanul Arefin 
Suzan Seherin 
