D.T and pardon for Netayahoo |
Dear President Donald Trump,
Allow me first to express my sincere respect and appreciation for your long-standing commitment to the security of the free world and to the strength of the alliance between the United States and Israel. Many in Israel remember and value your firm support for our country and your willingness to take bold decisions in moments of historic importance.
It is precisely from this place of respect that I write regarding recent remarks attributed to you about Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, and the question of a possible pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel today is living through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Our society is under enormous strain because of the ongoing war and the immense sacrifices required of our soldiers and citizens. At such a time, the delicate balance between our institutions—government, courts, and presidency—becomes even more critical.
It is important to clarify a key point: under Israeli law, the cancellation of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trial is not currently before the president as a pardon request. In fact, Mr. Netanyahu has not requested such a pardon. Any attempt to force or engineer the termination of the legal process from outside the Israeli system would therefore be perceived by many Israelis not as reconciliation, but as interference in the rule of law.
Israel is a vibrant but deeply divided democracy. In the present climate, a move perceived as politically imposed cancellation of the trial could ignite an internal crisis of unprecedented scale. Some fear it could even push the country toward civil confrontation between opposing camps. Such a development would gravely weaken Israel at the very moment it must remain united in confronting its external enemies.
This would not serve Israel’s security, nor the broader strategic interests shared by Israel and the United States.
Your voice carries enormous weight among many Israelis. For that very reason, a message encouraging stability, national unity, and respect for Israel’s democratic institutions would strengthen the country and its resilience in wartime.
Israel has always valued the friendship of the United States and the leadership of American presidents who understood both our security needs and the sensitivities of our internal democracy.
With great respect for your leadership and your historic support for Israel, I hope these considerations will be taken into doing
With respect and with confidence that true friends of Israel will always stand for its unity and strength.
Respectfully, Yoram Dori Former advisor to president Peres,