US President Donald Trump wrote to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to legally pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

“I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu , who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister,” Trump wrote. “Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted.”

Divisions in Israeli society

Netanyahu’s trial has divided Israeli society. Many citizens support Trump’s stance, arguing the trial should be dropped, particularly as Israel remains effectively at war following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks. Others insist the trial is necessary to uphold Israel’s liberal democratic values.

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