Israel's President Isaac Herzog has received a letter from US President Donald Trump formally urging him to fully pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has been standing trial for the past five years on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases. He has denied any wrongdoing.
In the letter, Trump writes that he absolutely respects the independence of Israel's justice system, but that he believes Netanyahu is facing a political, unjustified prosecution.
Herzog's office stated he holds Trump in the highest regard, yet emphasized that anyone seeking a pardon must submit a formal request.
While there has been no immediate comment from Netanyahu, he has previously expressed gratitude to Trump for similar calls made in speeches and on social media.
Netanyahu made history in 2020 by becoming the first serving Israeli prime minister to stand trial. Allegations against him include receiving gifts from powerful businessmen in exchange for favors and offering to help an Israeli newspaper's circulation in return for positive coverage.
Last month, after helping to broker a ceasefire during the conflict with Hamas, Trump suggested Herzog should pardon Netanyahu during a speech in the Israeli parliament.
Trump has described the charges against Netanyahu as trivial, questioning the significance of gifts like cigars and champagne.
In his letter, Trump praised Netanyahu as a strong leader who has fought for Israel and declared that the case against him is politically motivated.
Herzog's office reiterated the need for a formal pardon request as stipulated by law, which permits the president to pardon individuals under specific conditions, and also allows for pardons before conviction under extreme circumstances.
The political landscape in Israel is divided, with some supporting Trump's call while others, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, warn against interference from foreign leaders, emphasizing Israel's sovereignty.
