"Trump Demands Netanyahu Pardon Amid Corruption Trial"

US President Donald Trump Urges Israel's President to Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu Amid Ongoing Corruption Trial In a move that has sparked controversy, US President Donald Trump has written a letter to Israel's President Isaac Herzog, formally urging him to "fully pardon" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been on trial for five years on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. According to a statement from Herzog's office, Trump's letter was received and acknowledged, but any request for a pardon must be formally submitted. Netanyahu has been standing trial since 2019 on three separate cases, and Trump's letter claims that the prosecution is "unjustified" and "political," despite acknowledging Israel's independent justice system. In the letter, Trump writes that he "absolutely" respects the independence of Israel's justice system, but believes Netanyahu is facing a "political, unjustified prosecution." Herzog's office stated that they hold Trump "in the highest regard," but did not comment further on the request. The Israeli President's office has made it clear that any request for a pardon must be formally submitted, and there has been no immediate comment from Netanyahu on Trump's letter. According to the Israeli justice system, a pardon can only be granted by the President of Israel, and any request must be submitted through official channels. The process typically involves a thorough review of the case and consideration of various factors, including the severity of the crime and the defendant's remorse. This development comes as Netanyahu's trial continues, with the Prime Minister facing charges in three separate cases. The trial has been ongoing for five years, and Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Trump's request has sparked controversy, with many questioning the motivations behind the move. Experts have weighed in on the situation, with some expressing concern about the potential implications of a pardon. "A pardon would be a highly unusual move, and would likely be seen as an interference in Israel's justice system," said Dr. Rachel Lerner, a leading expert on Israeli politics. "It's unclear what Trump's motivations are, but it's clear that this move has the potential to cause significant controversy." The current status of Netanyahu's trial remains unchanged, with the Prime Minister's lawyers continuing to defend him against the charges. The Israeli justice system has made it clear that it will continue to operate independently, and any request for a pardon will be reviewed and considered in accordance with the law. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Herzog will respond to Trump's request. One thing is clear, however: this development has sparked a significant controversy, and will likely have far-reaching implications for Israeli politics and the country's justice system.