Israeli President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Herzog’s office confirmed on Wednesday, marking an unprecedented diplomatic move that intertwines U.S. politics with Israel’s judicial affairs.

Netanyahu, who has been on trial for corruption since 2020, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases. He has pleaded not guilty, denouncing the proceedings as a politically motivated campaign to oust him.

In his letter, Trump praised Netanyahu as a “fighter and friend,” calling the legal proceedings against him “political and unjustified.”
“While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli justice system and its requirements, I believe this case against Bibi—who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran—is an unjustified prosecution,” Trump wrote, as quoted by Herzog’s office.

The Israeli president’s office noted that any pardon request must follow “formal procedures” as prescribed by law. Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the presidency, Herzog holds the constitutional authority to grant pardons in exceptional cases, typically after a conviction.

During Trump’s October visit to Israel, he had reportedly reiterated his request in person during an address to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, again calling for leniency toward Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s indictment in 2019 involved allegations that he received lavish gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (about $212,000) from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors, as well as regulatory benefits to media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

The case has deeply divided Israeli society, with supporters calling it a “judicial coup” and critics insisting it demonstrates accountability at the highest levels of power.

Trump’s intervention comes amid renewed tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over Gaza ceasefire efforts and broader Middle East policy. The former U.S. president has maintained a close personal and political bond with Netanyahu since his first term, often portraying himself as Israel’s strongest ally.

Herzog’s office did not indicate whether the president intends to act on Trump’s appeal, reiterating that the judicial process remains ongoing.