Source: Axios
“President Trump sent an official letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog calling on him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and claimed the corruption charges against him are ‘political lawfare.’ Trump has repeatedly intervened in Israel’s judicial system and domestic politics over Netanyahu’s ongoing trial. His letter, released on Wednesday morning by the Israeli President’s office, is the first official step he has taken on this matter. … While Israeli law allows President Herzog to pardon almost any person charged or convicted of a crime, Supreme Court rulings and other legal guidelines limit his authority. Under the current legal procedures, only a defendant or a member of his family can appeal to the president for a pardon. In all cases in recent years, Israeli defendants had to plead guilty and acknowledge wrongdoing. In addition, the Ministry of Justice usually has to weigh in and recommend a pardon.” (11/12/25)