President Isaac Herzog of Israel has maintained his commitment to proper legal review standards for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, responding Thursday to Donald Trump’s attack that characterized his methodical approach as disgraceful and shameful.
The detailed statement from Herzog’s office outlined the constitutional procedures being followed, noting that the Ministry of Justice is currently preparing a formal legal opinion on the pardon application according to established governmental protocols. Herzog’s team emphasized that no decision has been made and that contrary to impressions created by Trump’s remarks, the review is proceeding according to normal legal channels, with any determination to be based exclusively on legal considerations and Israeli law.
Trump’s pointed criticism emerged during a White House press conference held while Netanyahu was visiting Washington for diplomatic talks. The former U.S. president used harsh personal language to condemn Herzog’s handling of the pardon request, declaring that Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not immediately granting clemency and suggesting that Israeli citizens should pressure their president. The comments represented a notable intervention in another democratic nation’s internal governmental processes.
The corruption allegations against Netanyahu encompass three active criminal prosecutions involving serious charges of governmental misconduct. Two cases focus on accusations that Netanyahu orchestrated arrangements with Israeli media companies, allegedly leveraging his position to secure favorable news coverage in exchange for regulatory decisions. The third case involves claims that he accepted luxury items valued at over $260,000 from billionaire supporters, including expensive cigars, champagne, and jewelry, allegedly in return for political favors.
Netanyahu’s trials have created an unprecedented situation in Israeli politics as the first incumbent prime minister to face criminal prosecution. Since proceedings began in 2019, Netanyahu has consistently maintained his innocence, characterizing the cases as a politically motivated “political trial” orchestrated by opponents. Although one of four original charges was dismissed, three substantial cases continue through the courts. The pardon controversy began when Trump publicly called for Herzog to grant clemency during an October speech to the Israeli parliament, which led Netanyahu’s legal team to submit a formal pardon petition to the presidential office.