Israeli President Herzog Counters Trump Narrative on Netanyahu Pardon Timeline

President Isaac Herzog of Israel has countered the narrative established by Donald Trump regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, clarifying Thursday that the matter remains under active legal review and that no decision has been made despite Trump’s characterization of the situation as disgraceful.
The statement from Herzog’s office provided detailed information about the current review process, noting that the Ministry of Justice is preparing a comprehensive legal opinion on the pardon application in accordance with standard governmental procedures. Herzog’s team stressed that the president will consider the request only after this legal analysis is complete and will make his determination based strictly on legal considerations, free from external influence.
Trump’s criticism of Herzog emerged during a White House press conference held while Netanyahu was visiting Washington for bilateral talks. The former U.S. president used strong language to condemn Herzog’s approach, stating that he “should be ashamed of himself” and suggesting that Israeli citizens should publicly express their disapproval. Trump’s comments marked a notable departure from conventional diplomatic protocol regarding another nation’s internal legal affairs.
The corruption allegations facing Netanyahu are substantial and multifaceted. Prosecutors have built cases around claims that Netanyahu used his governmental position to secure favorable media coverage through deals with news executives. Additionally, he faces accusations of accepting extravagant gifts worth over $260,000 from billionaire associates, including luxury cigars, expensive champagne, and high-end jewelry, allegedly in return for political favors that benefited his wealthy benefactors.
Netanyahu’s status as Israel’s first serving prime minister to stand trial on criminal charges has made his legal situation a defining feature of contemporary Israeli politics. Since the proceedings commenced in 2019, Netanyahu has vigorously maintained his innocence, describing the prosecutions as a “political trial” orchestrated by his opponents. Although one of four original charges was dismissed, three substantial cases continue through the courts. The pardon controversy began when Trump publicly called for Herzog to grant clemency during his October speech to the Israeli parliament, leading to the formal submission of a pardon request by Netanyahu’s legal team.