US President Donald Trump has penned a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog urging him to grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption charges.
In the letter, Trump expressed his "unwavering support" of Israel and its leadership, calling Netanyahu's trial a "political, unjustified prosecution." The former president argued that the case against Netanyahu was not based on merit but rather an attempt to discredit him.
Netanyahu faces three separate cases of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, which began during Trump's first term in office. He maintains his innocence and has entered a plea of not guilty.
While Herzog holds Trump "in high regard" and appreciates his support for Israel, his office stated that any request for a pardon must come from the individual accused, their legal representatives, or a family member - a condition Netanyahu did not meet.
Trump's letter has sparked conflicting reactions across the Israeli political spectrum. Some have hailed it as an endorsement of Herzog's decision to uphold justice and law, while others view it as an attempt by Trump to meddle in Israel's domestic politics.
This is not the first time Trump has intervened in overseas judicial proceedings. In July, he urged Brazilian authorities to end their prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was later convicted of plotting a coup. He also came out in support of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen when she was barred from running for office due to embezzlement charges.
Trump's actions have raised questions about his commitment to upholding international law and respect for sovereign nations' judicial systems. His intervention in Netanyahu's trial is seen by some as a sign of the ongoing bond between Trump and Netanyahu, despite the former president leaving office in January 2021.
In the letter, Trump expressed his "unwavering support" of Israel and its leadership, calling Netanyahu's trial a "political, unjustified prosecution." The former president argued that the case against Netanyahu was not based on merit but rather an attempt to discredit him.
Netanyahu faces three separate cases of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, which began during Trump's first term in office. He maintains his innocence and has entered a plea of not guilty.
While Herzog holds Trump "in high regard" and appreciates his support for Israel, his office stated that any request for a pardon must come from the individual accused, their legal representatives, or a family member - a condition Netanyahu did not meet.
Trump's letter has sparked conflicting reactions across the Israeli political spectrum. Some have hailed it as an endorsement of Herzog's decision to uphold justice and law, while others view it as an attempt by Trump to meddle in Israel's domestic politics.
This is not the first time Trump has intervened in overseas judicial proceedings. In July, he urged Brazilian authorities to end their prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was later convicted of plotting a coup. He also came out in support of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen when she was barred from running for office due to embezzlement charges.
Trump's actions have raised questions about his commitment to upholding international law and respect for sovereign nations' judicial systems. His intervention in Netanyahu's trial is seen by some as a sign of the ongoing bond between Trump and Netanyahu, despite the former president leaving office in January 2021.
like what even is this guy's end game? he can't just sit back and watch his buddy go down for corruption charges. it's kinda shady that he's urging herzog to grant a pardon without even being asked by netanyahu himself... isn't that how pardons are supposed to work?
So Trump thinks he can just write a letter to Herzog and expect him to magically grant Netanyahu a pardon? Like, what even is this? 
I mean, I get it, Trump's still got some... let's call them "connections" with Israel, but come on, doesn't anyone in his administration have some basic common sense left? 
And what's with the "political, unjustified prosecution" line? Is that even a thing? Sounds like something out of a bad action movie to me. 
did you know that the US has a 90% conviction rate for white-collar crimes like bribery and fraud? 
meanwhile, Netanyahu's got 3 cases going on simultaneously... what's his strategy again? 
stats show that 75% of Israelis believe the justice system is fair and independent - maybe trump should've checked his facts before weighing in? 
another day, another opportunity for Trump to try and strong-arm his way out of accountability 
. And honestly, if anyone's getting disrespected here, it's the Israeli judicial system which Trump is trying to bully 
. Newsflash: just because you're a former prez doesn't mean you get to dictate how others handle their own politics 
. Netanyahu's got this all figured out, no need for your "help" 
. By the way, who needs international law when you've got influence and Twitter? 
. It's like he thinks he can just waltz back into power and continue making decisions that don't necessarily align with international law or respect for sovereign nations.
. Maybe this is an opportunity for Herzog to show some backbone and remind everyone that Israel's judicial system should be respected too 
.
Not impressed with that kind of move, TBH 
. I mean I get it, Netanyahu's a buddy of yours and all but does that mean you think the rule of law doesn't apply to him too? it's just so...tired. can't he see how this looks? like, super shady. I'm low-key impressed by Herzog for holding Trump's feet to the fire though 
. And now they're all talking about how Trump doesn't respect international law... give me a break! He thinks he's still the big cheese just 'cause he's got the US presidency 
... Newsflash, Donald: you may have left office but your ego didn't 
️ - it's not gonna work! Netanyahu needs to face the music 
and accept the consequences of his actions. It's all about accountability 
to help his BFFs in power? It's like he thinks the law is just a suggestion 
. Newsflash: it's not! The Israeli people need to stand strong 
and support their justice system 
, no matter who's involved. This whole thing is giving me anxiety