Israeli president Herzog rejects Trump's pressure to pardon Netanyahu

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has emphasized the independence of his nation's legal system, distancing himself from US President Donald Trump's public call to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with Politico, Herzog confirmed his office is formally reviewing a pardon petition submitted by Netanyahu, describing it as an "extraordinary request" that will be handled according to established procedure.

A Sovereign Legal Process

Herzog stated the request is being examined through official channels involving the Justice Ministry and his legal advisers. While valuing the US president's friendship, Herzog firmly asserted Israel's sovereignty, noting, "Israel, naturally, is a sovereign country and we fully respect the Israeli legal system and its requirements." His remarks underscore a careful balance between maintaining strong bilateral ties and upholding domestic judicial independence.

The Complexities of the Pardon Request

Under Israeli law, a presidential pardon can only be granted after a defendant admits guilt—a step Netanyahu has consistently refused to take throughout his corruption trial. The prime minister also faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes in Gaza. Herzog suggested the decision would ultimately hinge on "the best interest of the Israeli people," downplaying potential diplomatic fallout by characterizing US-Israel relations as "warm" regardless of the outcome.

Broader Political Context

The pardon issue emerges ahead of Israeli elections next year, which Herzog suggested will be heavily influenced by public sentiment regarding the future of relations with Palestinians. As Netanyahu's legal proceedings continue, with prosecutors recently resuming their court questioning, the president's stance signals a commitment to allowing the judicial process to run its course without overt external political interference.