In a letter shared by Herzog's office on Wednesday, Nov. 12, Trump urged the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu, describing the legal proceedings against him as a "political, unjustified prosecution." The unprecedented intervention has ignited fierce debate over judicial independence, political influence and the rule of law in Israel.

"While I absolutely respect the independence of the Israeli Justice System, and its requirements, I believe that the '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 wrote. "I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu."

Trump's letter marks his most direct intervention yet in Netanyahu's legal troubles, following repeated public statements defending the Israeli leader. During a visit to Israel last month, Trump openly asked Herzog during a Knesset address: "Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon?"

Netanyahu's legal woes

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases. The most serious allegation involves accepting nearly 700,000 shekels ($211,832) in gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and three years each for fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the trial as a left-wing "witch hunt"—a term Trump has also used to describe his own legal battles. The trial, which began in May 2020, has faced repeated delays, partly due to Netanyahu's wartime leadership amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the corruption charges against Netanyahu – Israel's longest-serving leader – revolve around three main cases collectively known as "Case 1000," "Case 2000" and "Case 4000." These cases have been ongoing since 2016 and have led to Netanyahu's indictment on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu has consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that the gifts were not bribes but tokens of friendship, and that he did not receive any personal benefit from the deals. However, the Israeli Attorney General and the police have recommended that he be indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in all three cases.