Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked President Donald Trump for his “incredible support” after the U.S. leader formally requested a presidential pardon for Netanyahu’s corruption charges, calling Trump “a leader who gets right to the point and calls it like it is.” The exchange marks the latest intervention by Trump in Israeli domestic affairs, strengthening their alliance while raising concerns about American influence over Israel’s judicial system.
Netanyahu posted the statement on X Wednesday, responding to Trump’s letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog demanding a “full pardon” for the prime minister. “Thank you, President Trump, for your incredible support. As usual, you get right to the point and call it like it is,” Netanyahu wrote. “I look forward to continuing our partnership to bolster security and expand peace.”
The letter, dated November 12, 2025, represents Trump’s most direct involvement yet in Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial. Trump called the case a “political, unjustified prosecution” and urged Herzog to end the “lawfare” against Netanyahu, who faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. The Israeli president responded that pardons require formal requests through established procedures—something Netanyahu has not submitted.
Trump’s intervention comes after he helped broker a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release that Netanyahu’s government implemented in October. The U.S. president cited Netanyahu’s role as a “formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister” during conflicts with Hamas and Iran as justification for clemency. Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020, has been delayed repeatedly due to wartime emergencies.
The statement highlights the unusually close personal relationship between the two leaders. During his first term, Trump showered Netanyahu with political gifts including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In his second term, Trump deployed B-2 bombers against Iran’s nuclear sites and delivered 2,000-pound bombs to Israel that the Biden administration had suspended.
However, the relationship has evolved. Israeli media called recent visits by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “Bibi-sitting,” suggesting Trump officials now supervise Netanyahu to ensure compliance with the fragile ceasefire. Trump also contradicted Netanyahu’s claims about Gaza famine and criticized ongoing strikes during the Iran war, saying both sides “don’t know what they’re doing.”
Despite occasional friction, Trump’s pardon request demonstrates his continued protection of Netanyahu. The Israeli leader is the first sitting prime minister to face criminal prosecution while in office, with charges involving $260,000 in luxury goods from billionaires and media favoritism. Netanyahu dismisses the case as a “witch hunt,” echoing Trump’s language about his own legal troubles.
Netanyahu’s thank-you post signals his appreciation for Trump’s leverage over Israeli politics. With corruption charges threatening his political survival, Netanyahu likely hopes Trump’s vocal support will pressure Herzog and the justice system. However, Israeli law requires pardon applicants to admit guilt and express remorse—conditions Netanyahu has rejected.
The partnership extends beyond personal loyalty. Trump has sanctioned International Criminal Court officials who issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over Gaza war crimes. He has also criticized European recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it “propaganda for Hamas” and a “slap in the face to victims of October 7.”
As Netanyahu faces legal jeopardy and political challenges, Trump’s intervention provides crucial backing from Israel’s most important ally. The pardon request, while unlikely to succeed under Israeli law, showcases Trump’s willingness to use presidential power to protect right-wing allies internationally.
