Trump sends 'pardon' letter for Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption

While the trials against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery, corruption, and breach of trust continue, a step of support for Netanyahu has come from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Trump wrote him a letter requesting a pardon for Netanyahu. According to reports in the Israeli press, Trump stated in his letter, "It is an honor for me to write to you in these historic days when we are securing the peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years together," and added, "I call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who is a formidable and determined wartime prime minister and who has ultimately led Israel to peace."

Reminding that the peace process in the Middle East is ongoing, Trump emphasized that he continues to hold talks with Middle Eastern leaders to include many more countries in the Abraham Accords.

"THE TRIALS ARE POLITICAL AND UNFAIR"

In his letter, Trump underscored that he has infinite respect for Israel's judicial independence, yet he described the trials against Netanyahu as "political and unfair." Stating that they have built a wonderful relationship with the Netanyahu government since he took office, Trump recalled, "As soon as I took office in January, we agreed that our focus should be on bringing the hostages home and completing the peace agreement." Saying that they have achieved "unprecedented successes" and "brought Hamas under control" at the end of this process, Trump said, "It is time to pardon Netanyahu, allow him to ensure Israel's unity, and end this legal battle."

"PARDON APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES"

Herzog, who avoided giving a clear response to Trump's request, emphasized that a person must make a formal request to the Israeli Presidency to seek a pardon. In a written statement issued by the Israeli President's Office, it was noted that Herzog has great respect for Trump and is grateful to him for his contributions to peace in Israel and the Middle East, adding, "As the President has stated many times before, pardon requests must be carried out through a formal application in accordance with established procedures."

NETANYAHU THANKS TRUMP

Netanyahu also thanked Trump for his support, stating, "As always, you get straight to the point and say things as they are. I look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen security and spread peace."

DIFFERENT REACTIONS FROM ISRAELI POLITICS

Trump's pardon request for Netanyahu has drawn varying reactions from the Israeli political world. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition Yesh Atid Party, implied that the pardon request voiced by Trump is an indication that Netanyahu admits his guilt, saying, "I remind you that Israeli law sets the first condition for receiving a pardon as the admission of guilt and expressing remorse for the criminal acts committed."

"NETANYAHU IS BEGGING TRUMP FOR A PARDON"

Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats Alliance, which includes the Labor Party and Meretz, emphasized that Netanyahu, who cannot face the laws, should resign, stating, "While Netanyahu claims that 'nothing happened' and 'nothing will happen' regarding the accusations against him, he is simultaneously begging Trump to be able to benefit from a pardon. If Netanyahu is struggling to manage a country and judicial processes at the same time, he should resign. The laws are clear and everyone is equal before the law."

CALL TO HERZOG FROM FAR-RIGHT MINISTER BEN-GVIR

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also called on Herzog to comply with Trump's call, stating, "The fabricated and shameful accusations against Prime Minister Netanyahu have long since turned into claims against the prosecution, whose scandals and crimes are revealed in every hearing. A pardon for Netanyahu is the right and urgent step. President Herzog, listen to President Trump!"

News Source: İHA