Overview
- Speaking at the Zarzir strike site, President Isaac Herzog said Israel’s honor and sovereignty are not for sale and vowed to handle any Netanyahu pardon request independently.
- Herzog distinguished routine political disputes from what he called attacks on Israel’s symbols of government that require a public response.
- President Trump has publicly castigated Herzog over the issue and claimed Herzog promised a pardon, assertions Israeli officials have not confirmed.
- A government recommendation in favor of a pardon is reportedly expected to reach Herzog in the coming days, with Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu planning a separate recommendation next week.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a recorded message, urged Herzog to do the right thing without yielding to pressure and did not condemn Trump’s remarks.