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Israeli President Isaac Herzog pushed back Saturday against U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial.
Speaking to Politico, Herzog confirmed that his office had received a formal pardon request from Netanyahu and said it is being reviewed through “a process which goes through the Justice Ministry and my legal adviser and so on.”
“This is certainly an extraordinary request and above all when dealing with it I will consider what is the best interest of the Israeli people,” he added.
Rebuffing Trump’s pressure, Herzog said he values the U.S. president’s friendship and views but made clear that Israel’s institutions operate independently.
“Israel, naturally, is a sovereign country and we fully respect the Israeli legal system and its requirements,” Herzog said.
Asked what would happen if he rejects the pardon, Herzog responded that Israel’s relationship with the U.S. and with Trump remains “warm,” but warned against “doomsday analysis.”
“This issue should be viewed in the proper context,” he said.
On Wednesday, Israeli prosecutors resumed questioning Netanyahu in court over corruption charges. It was the second hearing since the prime minister submitted the pardon request to Herzog on Sunday, a move that sparked sharp division among supporters and critics.
Since the start of his trial, Netanyahu has refused to admit guilt. Under Israeli law, the president may only grant a pardon once the defendant acknowledges guilt.
In addition to domestic charges, Netanyahu also faces international accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court in November 2024 issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with alleged atrocities in Gaza, where more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.
Looking ahead to Israel’s elections set for next year, Herzog said the key question will be “how Israelis view the future of the relationship with the Palestinians.”
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