Trump Calls For Netanyahu’s Pardon

President Donald Trump called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon, in a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog that was released on Wednesday. 

Trump’s Letter: Trump’s letter states, “... As the Great State of Israel and the amazing Jewish People move past the terribly difficult times of the last three years, I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world changing Abraham Accords… 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…”

Herzog’s Response: Herzog’s office emphasized the Israeli president’s “appreciation for Trump’s unwavering support of Israel and his tremendous contribution to the return of the hostages, the reshaping of the Middle East and Gaza, and the safeguarding of Israel’s security” but pointed to the process for granting pardons as instructed by Israeli law, which requires potential pardon beneficiaries to submit their own formal requests and undergo a lengthy assessment procedure.

For Context: Trump also called for Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in October. Netanyahu is being charged, in three separate cases, with breach of trust, bribery, and fraud – all of which he has maintained claims of innocence. 

How The Media Covered It: Media on the left emphasized the charges against Netanyahu and the comradery between Netanyahu and Trump. Associated Press (Left bias), for example, drew parallels between the two leaders in saying, “Both contend they are the victims of hostile media, crooked law enforcement and political opponents.” The outlet also said Trump’s request “rais[es] questions about undue American influence over internal Israeli affairs.” Reuters (Center) provided a more straightforward breakdown of the story, though it asserted, “Netanyahu has cast his legal ordeal as a left-wing witch-hunt aimed at toppling an elected right-wing leader.” Neither Reuters nor Fox News (Right) gave voice to critics of Netanyahu as AP did. Fox instead emphasized Herzog’s stated admiration for Trump in his response. None of the aforementioned three outlets provided links to or embedded Trump's complete letter in their articles.

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