President Isaac Herzog of Israel has reaffirmed his commitment to following proper legal procedures in reviewing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, responding to Donald Trump’s characterization of his approach as disgraceful and worthy of public condemnation.
In a comprehensive statement issued Thursday, Herzog’s office detailed the ongoing review process, noting that the Ministry of Justice is currently preparing a formal legal opinion on the pardon application following standard protocols. The statement clarified that contrary to impressions created by Trump’s recent remarks, Herzog has not made any decision on the matter and will do so only after the legal review is complete, based strictly on Israeli law.
Trump’s harsh criticism emerged during a White House press conference conducted while Netanyahu was in Washington for diplomatic discussions. The former American president went beyond typical diplomatic language, suggesting that Herzog deserved to be shamed by Israeli citizens for not immediately granting the pardon. Trump’s comments marked a significant escalation in what has become an international political controversy involving the leader of one of America’s closest allies.
The corruption allegations facing Netanyahu are multifaceted and serious. Prosecutors have built cases around claims that Netanyahu leveraged his governmental position to secure favorable media coverage through backroom deals with news executives. Additionally, he faces accusations of accepting extravagant gifts—including luxury cigars, expensive champagne, and high-end jewelry—worth more than $260,000 from billionaire supporters who allegedly received government benefits in return.
Netanyahu’s trials represent an unprecedented situation in Israeli political history, as he is the first serving prime minister to face criminal prosecution. Since the proceedings commenced in 2019, Netanyahu has vigorously defended himself, consistently describing the cases as politically motivated persecution rather than legitimate law enforcement. While prosecutors initially brought four separate charges, one has since been dismissed, leaving three active cases in the courts. The current pardon debate began when Trump publicly called for Herzog to grant clemency during his October speech to the Knesset, prompting Netanyahu’s attorneys to formally submit their petition.