Trump rebukes Herzog over Netanyahu pardon refusal, calling it 'shameful'

In unusually direct remarks targeting the Israeli head of state, Trump said: "There is a president who refuses to pardon him. I think this man should be ashamed of himself for not granting a pardon in this ongoing case. It is shameful. He should pardon him." The comments signal rare public discord between the Trump administration and Israeli leadership.

Herzog responds, citing judicial independence

Following Trump's intervention, President Herzog issued a statement pushing back against the implied criticism. Herzog emphasized that Israel is a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law, adding that he has made no final determination regarding a potential pardon. His response underscores the sensitivity of the issue within Israel's political and legal systems, where any executive intervention in judicial matters remains deeply contentious.

Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial

The case against Netanyahu dates back to late 2016, with formal charges filed in 2019 across three separate indictments known as Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. Allegations include receiving lavish gifts from businessmen, negotiating favorable media coverage with newspaper publishers, and advancing regulatory benefits for a telecommunications firm in exchange for positive reporting. Netanyahu became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to stand trial when he appeared before the Jerusalem District Court in 2020. If convicted, he faces potential imprisonment and a ban from political office. He has consistently denied all charges.

Renewed debate over pardon powers

Trump's direct appeal to Herzog has reignited debate in Israel over the scope of presidential pardon authority. While the Israeli president holds the power to grant clemency, doing so for a sitting prime minister amid an active trial would be highly controversial. The episode also highlights the unusually close personal rapport between Trump and Netanyahu, which has occasionally placed the US leader at odds with other Israeli officials. For regional observers, including Türkiye, this public friction offers a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics between Washington and its closest Middle East ally.