New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- US President Donald Trump wrote to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, urging him to legally pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

"I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister," Trump wrote. "Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted."

In the letter, Trump called Netanyahu's prosecution "unjustified" but emphasized he had "absolute respect" for the Israeli justice system. The White House declined to comment on the letter.

Netanyahu's trial has divided Israeli society. Many citizens support ...