Israeli President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from former US President Donald Trump requesting that he “fully pardon” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is currently facing trial for charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust over three separate cases, which he denies.
In his letter, Trump expressed his respect for Israel’s judicial independence but characterized Netanyahu’s prosecution as “political” and unwarranted. Herzog’s office acknowledged Trump’s regard but stated that any pardon request must follow formal procedures.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, indicating a desire to strengthen security and peace in the region. Notably, Netanyahu became the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial in 2020, with allegations ranging from accepting gifts in exchange for favors to providing regulatory advantages for businesses in return for favorable media coverage. Throughout the legal process, Netanyahu has maintained his innocence, calling the trial a “witch-hunt.”
In a speech to the Israeli parliament last month, Trump suggested Herzog should pardon Netanyahu, downplaying the severity of the allegations. He referred to the accusations as trivial, saying, “Cigars and Champagne, who the hell cares about that?” In his appeal, Trump referred to Netanyahu as a pivotal figure leading Israel toward peace.
Israel’s legal framework allows the president to grant pardons, even prior to a conviction, under specific circumstances. For a pardon to be granted, however, a request must come from Netanyahu or a close relative, a step not yet publicly taken, though speculation exists about potential developments.
Within Israeli politics, there are varying perspectives on the potential pardon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir supported Trump’s call, while opposition leader Yair Lapid emphasized legal provisions requiring an admission of guilt for a pardon. Lapid advocates for national sovereignty over external pressures, underscoring the divisive nature of the issue amidst ongoing protests against judicial reforms in Israel.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c986285zrq0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss