People should not be surprised that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a formal request for a presidential pardon. This request follows President Donald Trump’s October speech at the Knesset when he called out to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, “Hey, I have an idea, Mr. President. Why don’t you give him a pardon?” The problem, of course is that Trump has no standing to request a pardon. That can only come from the person charged with a crime, the person’s attorney, or a first-degree relative, none of which would qualify Trump.
The more significant issue is how a pardon request would play out in Israel without acknowledgement of guilt or remorse on the part of Netanyahu. The Israeli public is very divided on the pardon issue, although a slight majority is in favor of letting Netanyahu’s trial proceed. A pardon, especially pre-conviction, could undermine the rule of law, set a dangerous political precedent, deepen societal and political divisions and damage Israel’s democratic reputation.
Perhaps the political backlash in America over Trump’s use of pardons will send a message to Israel.
Beryl Rosenstein, Pikesville
