Herzog says Netanyahu pardon request threatens state immunity

‘Israel’ President Isaac Herzog said Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon is negatively affecting the state’s resilience, stressing that any decision will follow existing legal procedures.

Herzog described the request as “exceptional” and said it is currently under detailed review by the competent authorities in the Ministry of Justice, with full adherence to the legal framework.

The crisis began in November when Netanyahu formally submitted a pardon request without admitting guilt in corruption cases, which include charges of bribery and breach of trust.

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While Netanyahu’s lawyers argue the pardon could help “bridge social divides,” the move has sparked widespread debate over the stability of the judicial system and the future of the government’s judicial reforms.

US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for granting Netanyahu a pardon as part of his broader strategy to bolster allies in the region. Despite ongoing communications between Washington and Tel Aviv, Herzog emphasized that American support will not influence his commitment to strict domestic procedures, particularly on a matter affecting the democratic framework of the state.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Herzog said the pardon request is currently undergoing legal review. He rejected claims by Trump that the matter is “close to resolution,” explaining to a former US envoy the complexity of the legal process, which could take “many weeks.”

Key points from Herzog’s position:

• Judicial independence: Full support for court impartiality amid political pressure.
• National responsibility: The exceptional request requires careful handling to avoid threatening social cohesion.
• Upcoming elections: Pardon powers expected to be a major issue in the next political contest.

The debate has also divided opinion in the US between those supporting Trump’s approach to protecting Netanyahu and those warning of the potential impact on the judiciary’s reputation.