Herzog pushes back on Trump: No decision yet on Netanyahu pardon
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- 'Israeli' President Herzog says no decision has been made yet on Netanyahu’s pardon, pushing back against Trump’s public criticism.
'Israeli'President Isaac Herzog’s office clarified Wednesday that no decision has yet been made regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a presidential pardon, following critical remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump had publicly said Herzog should be “ashamed of himself” for not pardoning Netanyahu, intensifying an already high-profile political debate.
Read more: Herzog should be ‘ashamed of himself’ for not pardoning Netanyahu, says Trump
In a statement, Herzog’s office emphasized that Netanyahu’s request is still under review at the Justice Ministry, where it is undergoing a legal assessment “in accordance with the established procedures.”
The statement added that “only upon completion of that process will President Herzog consider the request in accordance with the law, the best interests of the State of Israel, guided by his conscience, and without any influence from external or internal pressures of any kind.”
Herzog’s office also expressed appreciation for Trump’s “significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security,” while reiterating that 'Israel' is “a sovereign state governed by the rule of law” and that “contrary to the impression created by President Trump’s remarks, President Herzog has not yet made any decision on this matter.”
Trump has actively campaigned for Netanyahu’s pardon for months, including urging Herzog directly during an address to the Knesset in October, months before Netanyahu formally submitted his request.
