Overview
- U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Isaac Herzog “disgraceful” and urged him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, intensifying public pressure on Israel’s head of state.
- Herzog’s office is examining whether Netanyahu encouraged Trump’s intervention, with aides calling any such involvement a red line and a slight to Israel’s sovereignty.
- Netanyahu’s office denies prior knowledge, saying the prime minister learned of Trump’s remarks through media reports.
- Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara stated she has not yet reviewed the pardon request and that it will be handled under standard procedures, countering reports of a finalized opinion.
- Netanyahu formally submitted a pardon request in December, and the presidency reiterates that it will consider the case only after the Justice Ministry and legal advisors complete their reviews.