US President Donald Trump has penned a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, again requesting that he grant a pardon to outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The pardon request comes as Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases, with his supporters arguing the trials are politically motivated.
In his letter, Trump describes the situation as a "historic time" and claims that securing peace for 3,000 years is a major achievement. He suggests that Netanyahu's trial is "political" and "unjustified prosecution," while expressing respect for Israel's justice system. Trump had previously called for a pardon in social media posts and at an Israeli parliament speech.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, with Herzog rejecting Trump's requests for a pardon in the past. The letter from Herzog's office notes that anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request following established procedures, which Herzog has not done.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is also facing criticism over his handling of the recent Gaza conflict, with some accusing US Ambassador to Israel Ron Dermer, who resigned on Tuesday, of failing to bring the war to an earlier end.
In his resignation letter, Dermer praises Netanyahu's "singular leadership" and suggests that he has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of security and peace for Israel.
In his letter, Trump describes the situation as a "historic time" and claims that securing peace for 3,000 years is a major achievement. He suggests that Netanyahu's trial is "political" and "unjustified prosecution," while expressing respect for Israel's justice system. Trump had previously called for a pardon in social media posts and at an Israeli parliament speech.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, with Herzog rejecting Trump's requests for a pardon in the past. The letter from Herzog's office notes that anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request following established procedures, which Herzog has not done.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is also facing criticism over his handling of the recent Gaza conflict, with some accusing US Ambassador to Israel Ron Dermer, who resigned on Tuesday, of failing to bring the war to an earlier end.
In his resignation letter, Dermer praises Netanyahu's "singular leadership" and suggests that he has been instrumental in ushering in a new era of security and peace for Israel.