Netanyahu urges Trump’s support in push for Herzog pardon over corruption charges: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked US President Donald Trump to continue backing his bid for a presidential pardon, US media reported, citing two US officials and one Israeli official.

The request comes a day after Netanyahu formally submitted a pardon plea to President Isaac Herzog. The submission includes a 111-page document prepared by Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad and a personal letter signed by the prime minister, according to Israeli media reports.

Hadad wrote that granting the pardon would allow Netanyahu to “devote all of his time, abilities, and energy to advancing Israel in these critical times” and help reduce political tensions in the country, The Times of Israel reported.

Herzog’s office said the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department will review inputs from relevant authorities before sending recommendations to the president’s legal adviser. It acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the request and said Herzog would responsibly and sincerely consider it.

Under Israeli law, the president can grant pardons to individuals convicted in court and, in exceptional cases, even before legal proceedings conclude if deemed in the public interest.

Earlier this month, Trump sent a letter to Herzog urging him to pardon Netanyahu. The Israeli leader faces one count of bribery and three counts each of fraud and breach of trust in three corruption cases.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)