Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said Tuesday he supports a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it “entirely appropriate” after the prime minister led Israel through the Israel–Hamas war and helped bring the nation to a point where peace is once again possible.
In an interview recently, Fetterman addressed reports that he had sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog urging a pardon for Netanyahu, who is currently on trial in Israel for corruption charges.
While declining to discuss the specifics of his correspondence with Herzog, Fetterman stated he “fully” supports a pardon for Netanyahu.
“I think it’s entirely appropriate for the prime minister to have a pardon,” he said.
Netanyahu is standing trial on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust related to decisions made during earlier terms in office. He denies the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Under Israeli law, the president can grant a pardon, though intervening while a trial is ongoing would be highly unusual.
Fetterman criticized the continuation of the trial amid Israel’s recent security challenges.
“The prime minister has led Israel through that awful Gaza war,” he said.
“And now look where we are at the other end of all of it. And now peace is possible.”
He described the proceedings as a distraction.
“Why would you distract our country with this kind of a ridiculous trial?” he asked.
“It’s truly absurd to put him through this after everything they’ve accomplished over the last two years.”
Fetterman also commented on Netanyahu’s recent visit to Florida to meet with President Donald Trump, stating that the Israeli leader’s goal was to reinforce ties with Washington.
“I think it’s to affirm and to strengthen his relationship with the president,” he said. “That’s smart and that’s necessary.”
The senator emphasized that he has consistently pushed back against voices within his own party urging distance from Israel.
“For me, that’s our special, special ally,” Fetterman said.
“And I fully support and stand proud with Israel. And that’s never going to change for me.”
Fetterman noted that he and Trump strongly agree on supporting Israel, calling their alignment “lockstep.”
He also reiterated his support for military action against Iran if the Islamic regime resumes efforts to build a nuclear weapon.
“We can never, ever, ever, ever allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb,” Fetterman stated.
He added that he supports future strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if necessary, saying the regime must be sent a clear message to abandon nuclear ambitions given its hostility toward Israel, the United States, and Western nations.
“I don’t care if [it’s a] Democrat or Republican issue,” Fetterman said. “It’s about civilization.”
