VIDEO: Herzog should be ‘ashamed of himself’ for not pardoning Netanyahu, says Trump

• Trump blasts 'Israeli' President Herzog for refusing to pardon Netanyahu amid fraud trial.

US President Donald Trump publicly criticized 'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog on Thursday, saying he should be “ashamed of himself” for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently standing trial for alleged fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump reiterated his support for Netanyahu, calling him “a very good wartime prime minister” and highlighting their cooperation on Iran.

“You have a president that refused to give him a pardon… He should be ashamed of himself,” Trump said, referring to Herzog.

Trump Questions Herzog’s Use of Pardoning Power

The US president suggested that the primary authority of the 'Israeli' president is to issue pardons, but claimed Herzog is withholding this power for political reasons.

“The primary power [Herzog has] is… to give pardons, and he’s not. He said he’s given it five different times, but he doesn’t want to do it because, I guess he loses his power,” Trump said, without providing further details.
“I think the people of Israel should really shame him. He’s disgraceful for not giving it.”

Past Claims About Pardon Talks Disputed

Trump had previously claimed during Netanyahu’s visit to the US in December that Herzog had told him a pardon was “on its way.” This account was denied by Herzog’s office, which stated that no recent conversation had occurred between the two leaders regarding a pardon.

Herzog’s office explained that any inquiry about a pardon was handled by a representative acting on Trump’s behalf after a formal letter was sent in November. Officials emphasized that decisions on pardons would follow 'Israel’s' established legal procedures.

Netanyahu and the Broader Context

Netanyahu faces ongoing legal scrutiny while continuing to lead 'Israel’s' government. Trump’s public defense of the 'Israeli' prime minister, coupled with his attack on Herzog, underscores the US president’s continued involvement in international political discourse and his strong support for Netanyahu.

“I guess everybody’s responsible,” Trump said when asked if Netanyahu bore responsibility for 'Israel’s' security lapses during the October 7 events, describing it as a “sneak attack” that “nobody else would have seen coming.”