Israeli President Isaac Herzog has issued a firm statement clarifying that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request is still undergoing proper legal review, directly contradicting characterizations made by Donald Trump who suggested Herzog was being disgraceful in his handling of the matter.
Herzog’s office explained Thursday that the Ministry of Justice is currently conducting a thorough legal analysis of the pardon application according to established governmental procedures. The presidential statement emphasized that Herzog will consider the request only after receiving a complete legal opinion and will base his decision exclusively on the requirements of Israeli law, rejecting any influence from external or internal political pressures.
The diplomatic controversy intensified when Trump, speaking at a White House press conference during Netanyahu’s Washington visit, publicly attacked Herzog’s character. Trump stated that Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not immediately approving the pardon and suggested that ordinary Israeli citizens should pressure their president to act more favorably toward Netanyahu. The remarks represented an unusual instance of one world leader openly condemning another’s handling of domestic legal matters.
Netanyahu faces serious allegations across three ongoing criminal cases. Two prosecutions center on claims that he negotiated quid pro quo arrangements with major Israeli media outlets, trading governmental regulatory decisions for positive news coverage. The third case involves accusations of accepting more than $260,000 in luxury items from billionaire associates, including expensive cigars, premium champagne, and jewelry, allegedly in exchange for political favors that benefited his wealthy benefactors.
The historical significance of Netanyahu’s legal situation cannot be understated, as he is the first incumbent Israeli prime minister ever to stand trial on corruption charges. The proceedings, which began in 2019, have become a central focus of Israeli political discourse, with Netanyahu consistently characterizing them as a “political trial” orchestrated by his opponents. Despite one charge being dismissed, three substantial cases continue through the courts. The pardon controversy began when Trump addressed the Israeli parliament in October and publicly urged Herzog to grant clemency, which prompted Netanyahu’s legal team to formally submit their petition to the presidential office.