"He stressed that Netanyahu's "attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted" by his trial. "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... It is time to let Bibi unite Israel by pardoning him," Trump wrote."
"Between the lines: While Israeli law allows President Herzog to pardon almost any person charged or convicted of a crime, Supreme Court rulings and other legal guidelines limit his authority. Under the current legal procedures, only a defendant or a member of his family can appeal to the president for a pardon. In all cases in recent years, Israeli defendants had to plead guilty and acknowledge wrongdoing. In addition, the Ministry of Justice usually has to weigh in and recommend a pardon."
Trump wrote to President Herzog saying that after ending the war in Gaza he wants to work with key Middle East leaders to expand the Abraham Accords. He said Netanyahu's attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted by his trial and called the prosecution against Netanyahu political and unjustified, urging a pardon so Netanyahu can unite Israel. Israeli law allows the president to pardon almost any charged or convicted person, but Supreme Court rulings and legal guidelines limit that authority. Current procedures permit only a defendant or family member to appeal for a pardon, often requiring a guilty plea and Justice Ministry recommendation. Herzog's office said anyone seeking a pardon must follow established procedures and expressed appreciation for Trump's support.
Read at Axios
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