Netanyahu seeks pardon, Herzog insists on legal process

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Thursday that a request for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still under review, stressing that he will not bow to any external or internal pressure in the matter.

In a statement, Herzog’s office clarified that, contrary to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, no decision has yet been taken. 

The request submitted by Netanyahu is currently being examined by Israel’s Justice Ministry for legal review, in line with established procedures. Only after that process is completed will the president consider the matter “in accordance with the law and in the best interest of the State of Israel.”

Earlier at the White House, Trump said Herzog “should be ashamed” for not granting the pardon, following talks with Netanyahu. The Israeli prime minister, who is on trial in three separate corruption cases, formally applied for a presidential pardon in late November, backed publicly by Trump.

Herzog has previously stated that any decision would be guided solely by the interests of the state and society, underscoring the sensitivity of a case that continues to divide Israeli public opinion.