President Isaac Herzog of Israel has defended his deliberative process in reviewing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, responding Thursday to Donald Trump’s attack that characterized his methodical approach as disgraceful and shameful.
The statement from Herzog’s office outlined the proper legal procedures being followed, explaining that the Ministry of Justice is currently preparing a thorough legal opinion on the pardon application according to established governmental protocols and constitutional requirements. Herzog’s team stressed that no decision has been made and clarified that any determination will be based exclusively on legal considerations and Israeli law, without being influenced by external political pressure.
Trump’s sharp criticism came during a press conference at the White House conducted while Netanyahu was in Washington for diplomatic talks. The former U.S. president used harsh personal language to condemn 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 norms.
The criminal allegations facing Netanyahu span three active prosecutions involving corruption charges. Two cases focus on accusations that Netanyahu orchestrated arrangements with Israeli media organizations, allegedly leveraging governmental regulatory authority to secure favorable news coverage in exchange for policy decisions. The third case involves claims that he accepted luxury items valued at over $260,000 from billionaire supporters, including expensive cigars, champagne, and jewelry, allegedly in return for political favors.
Netanyahu’s trials have created an unprecedented situation as Israel’s first sitting prime minister to face criminal prosecution. Since proceedings began in 2019, Netanyahu has consistently maintained his innocence, characterizing the cases 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 judicial system. 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 to the presidential office.