Israeli president responds to Trump's letter: Netanyahu must submit formal request to get pardon PHOTO

Israeli President Isaac Herzog received a signed letter from U.S. President Donald Trump this morning, urging him to consider the possibility of pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 12 Channel reports.

Commenting on the letter, Herzog's Office said: “Anyone seeking a presidential pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the established procedures."  

Netanyahu has not submitted an official request for a pardon in his ongoing trial.

Trump's letter, shared by Herzog's office, reads: "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."

Netanyahu has been facing a long-running corruption trial, and Trump has repeatedly asked for a pardon for his close ally. Netanyahu denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty.

The premier was indicted in 2019 in three cases, one of which includes receiving almost 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from businessmen, including champagne and cigars.

By Khagan Isayev