US President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Israeli President Isaac Herzog grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not doing so. The remarks, made Thursday following a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House, escalated pressure on Herzog as Netanyahu faces bribery charges.
Trump described Netanyahu as an “extraordinary” wartime leader and criticized Herzog’s reluctance to offer clemency. “He’s disgraceful for not giving it. He should supply it,” Trump told reporters. He further urged Israeli citizens to pressure Herzog into granting the pardon.
Herzog’s office responded by stating that no decision had been made and that the request for a pardon was undergoing legal review by the Ministry of Justice. “Contrary to the impression given by President Trump’s remarks, President Herzog has not yet made a decision on this matter,” the statement read. The office affirmed that Herzog would only consider the request “in accordance with the law, in the best interest of the State of Israel… without any external or internal pressure.”
Netanyahu formally requested a presidential pardon in late November, reportedly with Trump’s backing. He is currently on trial for three corruption cases involving allegations of receiving lavish gifts as bribes and attempting to secure favorable media coverage in exchange for government concessions. His trial, which began in 2020, has been repeatedly disrupted by regional geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The US has previously signaled its support for Herzog granting amnesty to Netanyahu, though the Israeli presidency is largely a ceremonial role. Trump’s latest comments represent a significant increase in direct pressure on Herzog. This represents the seventh meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to power last year.
Al Jazeera reported that the comments come as Netanyahu is facing bribery charges, and Trump is seeking to support his ally.