President Isaac Herzog of Israel has resisted external interference in his review of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, responding Thursday to Donald Trump’s characterization of his methodical approach as disgraceful and deserving of public condemnation.
The comprehensive statement from Herzog’s office detailed the ongoing legal review process, noting that the Ministry of Justice is preparing a thorough legal opinion on the pardon application according to established procedures and constitutional standards. Herzog’s team emphasized that no decision has been made and clarified that the president will base any determination exclusively on legal considerations and Israeli law, without being influenced by external political pressure or internal partisan dynamics.
Trump’s harsh criticism came during a press conference at the White House conducted while Netanyahu was in Washington for diplomatic meetings. The former U.S. president used strong personal language to attack Herzog’s handling of the pardon request, stating that Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not immediately granting clemency and suggesting that Israeli citizens should pressure their president. The remarks represented a significant departure from diplomatic protocol.
The criminal allegations facing Netanyahu span three active prosecutions involving serious corruption charges. Two cases focus on accusations that Netanyahu negotiated deals with Israeli media organizations, allegedly trading governmental decisions for favorable news coverage. The third case centers on claims that he accepted luxury gifts valued at over $260,000 from billionaire supporters, including expensive cigars, premium champagne, and designer jewelry, allegedly in exchange for political favors that benefited these wealthy individuals.
Netanyahu’s position as Israel’s first sitting prime minister to face criminal trial has created an unprecedented political situation since proceedings commenced in 2019. Throughout all cases, Netanyahu has vigorously maintained his innocence, consistently characterizing the prosecutions as a politically motivated “political trial” orchestrated by opponents to remove him from power. Although one of four original charges was dismissed, three substantial cases remain active in the courts. The pardon controversy began when Trump publicly called for Herzog to grant clemency during an October address to the Israeli parliament, which prompted Netanyahu’s legal team to submit a formal pardon petition.