Israeli watchdog condemns Trump’s call to pardon Netanyahu

Israeli watchdog condemns Trump’s call to pardon Netanyahu, urging President Herzog to uphold judicial independence.

An Israel-based independent nonprofit organization that has fought corruption and defended democracy in Israel since 1990, criticized on Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who is on trial for corruption.

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG) called a letter sent by Trump “an inappropriate interference in the internal legal proceedings of a sovereign and independent state,” emphasizing that Israel is “a strong and independent democracy, with an excellent judicial system.”

Netanyahu is on trial in three separate corruption cases. The charges include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, stemming from allegations that he sought regulatory favors and positive media coverage in exchange for political and financial benefits. 

He has denied wrongdoing, calling the investigations politically motivated and an attempt to “overthrow” him. Supporters have dismissed the trials as lawfare, while critics insist no one is above the law.

MQG said the criminal proceedings must continue without political interference, warning that any attempt to pressure the courts “severely undermines the fundamental principles of the State of Israel.” It urged Israel’s international allies, including the U.S., to respect its sovereignty and the independence of its democratic institutions.

Trump’s letter—confirmed to Israeli media by President Isaac Herzog’s office—called on Herzog to “fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister.”

Trump framed the request as recognition of Netanyahu’s role in securing a ceasefire in Gaza and achieving “unprecedented successes” with the White House. While asserting respect for Israel’s judicial independence, Trump said the prosecutions against Netanyahu were politically motivated and unjustified.

Herzog’s office told media that the president cannot grant a pardon based solely on a foreign leader’s request and said any application must follow formal procedures.

Netanyahu thanked Trump on X for his support and said he looked forward to “continuing our partnership to bolster security and expand peace.”

Reactions in Israel were sharply divided. Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, posted on X that Netanyahu was seeking a pardon even while denying wrongdoing. “If he’s struggling to run a country and a trial at the same time — he should resign,” Golan wrote, adding that “the law is clear — and everyone is equal before it.”

Most of Netanyahu’s ministers backed Trump’s request. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, called the indictments “fabricated and disgraced,” saying they had become an indictment of the prosecution itself. He added that the trial exposed the prosecutors’ “disgrace and crimes every day” and argued that a pardon for Netanyahu was “the right and urgent thing to do,” urging Herzog to heed Trump’s recommendation.