Trump asked Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu, Israeli president's office says

Israeli President Isaac Herzog received a letter from President Donald Trump, urging him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli president’s office said on Wednesday

Israeli President Isaac Herzog received a letter from President Donald Trump, urging him to consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli president’s office said on Wednesday.

Netanyahu has been facing a long-running corruption trial, and Trump has repeatedly asked for a pardon for his close ally. Netanyahu denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty.

“While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that this ‘case’ against Bibi, who has fought alongside me for a long time, including against the very tough adversary of Israel, Iran, is a political, unjustified prosecution,” Trump said in the letter shared by Herzog’s office.

The office said that anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures.

Israel Says it Has Received Remains of the Last American Hostage01:53Trump previously urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during an address to the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem last month.