Overview
- In interviews on Thursday, President Trump urged Isaac Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu “today” so the prime minister can focus on the war with Iran.
- Trump claimed Herzog promised a pardon five times and said he will not meet Herzog until clemency is granted, a claim a senior Israeli official disputed.
- Herzog’s office said the president is not handling the pardon during wartime, emphasized Israel’s sovereignty and rule of law, and noted the case is under Justice Ministry review.
- The Justice Ministry is expected to issue its recommendation in the coming days, after which Herzog would consider the request under legal criteria.
- Israeli legal experts warn a pardon now could face a Supreme Court challenge as coerced by foreign pressure, while Netanyahu denies bribery, fraud, and breach-of-trust charges dating to 2019.