Trump demands Netanyahu pardon, slams Israeli President Herzog
"He promised me five times that he would grant him a pardon, he is a disgrace"
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday sharply criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog, calling on him to immediately grant a presidential pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In an interview with journalist Barak Ravid, Trump said Netanyahu should not be preoccupied with legal issues while Israel faces a war with Iran.
“President Herzog should grant Bibi a pardon today,” Trump said, using Netanyahu’s nickname. He claimed that Herzog had promised him several times to take action, adding, “He promised me five times that he would grant him a pardon.” Trump also accused Herzog of delaying the decision for months and said the issue had been discussed between the two leaders for nearly a year. He announced that he would make the conversations public and described the Israeli president as “a disgrace.”
Trump further stated that he would refuse to meet Herzog until Netanyahu receives the pardon. Netanyahu is currently facing multiple legal proceedings in Israel, including charges of corruption, fraud, and breach of trust, all of which he denies. Under Israeli law, the president has the authority to grant a presidential pardon.
In response, the Israeli presidency stressed that the pardon issue is not currently being addressed due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. “We are all mobilized,” a spokesperson said, quoting Herzog. The statement emphasized that Herzog “deeply respects and appreciates Donald Trump’s major contribution to Israel’s security” and referred to him as “the leader of the free world” and a key ally, particularly for his firm stance against Iran.
The presidency also reaffirmed Israel’s status as a sovereign state governed by the rule of law. The request for Netanyahu’s pardon is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, which must provide a legal opinion according to established procedures. Once this process is complete, Herzog will decide whether to grant a pardon “in accordance with the law, the interest of the country, and his conscience,” without being subject to external or internal pressure, the statement concluded.