Donald Trump has renewed his call for a presidential pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption. In a letter to President Isaac Herzog, Trump described Netanyahu as a “formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister” and argued that the prosecution is politically motivated.
Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the letter but reiterated that any pardon request must follow formal procedures. The Israeli president, whose role is largely ceremonial, has the authority to pardon convicted criminals under exceptional circumstances, but Netanyahu has not been convicted; his trial began in 2020 and is ongoing.
Netanyahu faces charges in three cases, including accepting luxury goods worth over $260,000 from billionaires in exchange for political favours. He has pleaded not guilty and denies all wrongdoing, with supporters dismissing the cases as a witch-hunt.
Separately, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer resigned on Tuesday after leading negotiations for the Gaza ceasefire. Dermer, a close Netanyahu ally, cited a two-year commitment to his family. Critics had accused him of prolonging the war to delay Netanyahu’s potential imprisonment.
Dermer’s resignation is not expected to have a major political impact, according to analysts, as he lacks a domestic base. Elections are due within a year, and early polls are possible.
