Jerusalem, Israel — Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s office on Monday directly contradicted claims by President Donald Trump that a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was imminent, underscoring growing tensions between political rhetoric and Israel’s judicial process.
Trump told reporters during a meeting in Florida that Herzog had assured him a pardon was “on its way” for Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption. Within hours, Herzog’s office issued a statement saying the president has not spoken with Trump since Netanyahu formally submitted a pardon request in late November, and that no such assurances were given. The clarification followed reporting that attributed Trump’s comments to secondhand conversations rather than a direct exchange.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery stemming from three cases involving alleged exchanges of political favors for positive media coverage and regulatory benefits. His trial, which began in 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has faced criminal proceedings. Under Israeli law, the president has authority to grant pardons, but they are traditionally issued only after convictions and typically require an admission of wrongdoing.
Trump has repeatedly framed the case as politically motivated, arguing that Netanyahu’s court obligations interfere with his ability to govern during wartime. Critics within Israel counter that outside pressure, particularly from a U.S. president, risks undermining judicial independence and democratic norms.
Herzog’s office said the request will proceed through established legal channels, including review by the Justice Ministry, before any decision is made, signaling no departure from precedent despite international attention.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
