A Presidential Plea

In a significant move impacting international diplomacy, United States President Donald Trump formally requested that Israeli President Isaac Herzog grant a full pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The request, delivered in a letter on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (EAT), concerns the long-running corruption trial in which Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. President Trump, who has previously voiced support for Netanyahu, described the prosecution as "political" and "unjustified," urging Herzog to act to "let Bibi unite Israel." Netanyahu has consistently denied all wrongdoing, framing the trial as a politically motivated "witch hunt."

President Herzog's office acknowledged receipt of the letter, stating that while he holds President Trump in the "highest regard," any request for a pardon must follow established legal procedures, which typically require a formal application from the individual seeking clemency. Prime Minister Netanyahu later thanked Trump on the social media platform X for his "incredible support."

The Charges Against Netanyahu

The trial, which began in May 2020, revolves around three separate cases that have captivated Israeli society and tested its institutions.

• Case 1000: This case alleges that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, received lavish gifts, including cigars and champagne, valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.
• Case 2000: In this case, Netanyahu is accused of negotiating a deal with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the popular newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, for more favorable media coverage in exchange for legislation that would harm a rival publication.
• Case 4000: Considered the most serious, this case involves allegations that Netanyahu, in his capacity as Minister of Communications, provided regulatory benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the telecommunications giant Bezeq. In return, Bezeq's news website, Walla, allegedly provided positive coverage of the Prime Minister and his family. The charges in this case include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While the legal drama unfolds thousands of miles away, its ripples are felt in Nairobi. Kenya and Israel maintain deep and strategic diplomatic relations, established in 1963 and strengthened over decades. This partnership spans critical sectors, including security cooperation against terrorism, agriculture, technology, and trade, which stood at $139 million in 2012. In May 2023, President William Ruto and Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to enhance this cooperation further. Political stability in a key partner like Israel is therefore of significant interest to Kenya.

Furthermore, the intervention by a U.S. President in the judicial process of a sovereign ally raises important questions about the rule of law and judicial independence—principles central to Kenya's own governance and anti-corruption efforts. The episode serves as a powerful case study on the pressures facing independent institutions when dealing with high-profile political figures.

The situation is also viewed through the lens of Kenya-U.S. relations under the Trump administration. His 'America First' foreign policy has led to a more transactional approach, with potential impacts on aid, trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and security funding. This direct intervention in an ally's affairs underscores a foreign policy style that could have unpredictable consequences for partners globally, including in East Africa.

A Test for International Norms

Globally, President Trump's letter is seen as a test of the unwritten rules of international diplomacy. The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states is a cornerstone of international law, as affirmed by the United Nations Charter. While heads of state often advocate for their citizens abroad, a direct public call to pardon a sitting leader of an allied nation during an active trial is highly unusual. This action blurs the lines between diplomatic support and political pressure on an independent judiciary.

The outcome of this saga rests with the Israeli legal system. However, the intervention by President Trump has added a complex and powerful new dimension to the proceedings, with potential long-term implications for how justice, politics, and international relations intersect on the world stage.