Israeli President blasts Trump’s ‘disgraceful’ demand for Netanyahu pardon
By SCM REPORTER
ISRAELI President Isaac Herzog has sensationally slapped down Donald Trump’s demands to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring any deal is “off the table” while the country is at war.
In a stinging rebuff to the US President, Herzog insisted that the rule of law must come first, even as “Bibi” leads the nation through its fiercest military conflict in decades.
Trump had sparked a diplomatic firestorm by calling Herzog a “disgrace” and claiming he had been promised a pardon for the embattled Prime Minister at least five times.
The US leader argued that Netanyahu needs to be “100 per cent focused” on the war against Iran rather than sitting in a courtroom.
But Herzog, speaking from Jerusalem, stood his ground.
”During war, there are no proceedings at all. So it’s… OFF THE TABLE,” a source close to the President’s office confirmed.
The President’s official residence later issued a formal statement, pointedly reminding the White House that Israel is a “sovereign democracy.”
While praising Trump’s “tremendous contribution” to Israeli security, the statement made it clear that Herzog would not be bullied into a decision.
”The President will examine the request according to the law, the good of the country, and his conscience—without any influence from external or internal pressures of any kind,” the office said.
The drama comes as Netanyahu makes history for all the wrong reasons. He is the first sitting Prime Minister in the history of the Jewish state to stand trial while in office.
The 76-year-old leader is fighting a trio of explosive corruption cases:
Case 1000: Allegations of accepting luxury gifts—including cigars and champagne—from wealthy moguls.
Case 2000 & 4000: Serious charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in exchange for favourable media coverage.
Netanyahu has consistently slammed the trial as a “witch hunt” designed to topple his government.
Trump, who has often compared Netanyahu’s legal woes to his own, told reporters: “I don’t want anything on Bibi’s mind other than fighting against Iran. He [Herzog] better damn well give him the pardon right now.”
For now, however, the “pardon power” remains firmly in Herzog’s pocket—and he isn’t budging until the smoke clears from the battlefield.
Background: The Trial that Won’t End
The trial of Benjamin Netanyahu began in May 2020. Despite the heavy charges, Netanyahu has managed to win multiple elections and form coalitions, maintaining his grip on power. Under Israeli law, a Prime Minister is not required to resign unless they are convicted and all appeals are exhausted.
President Isaac Herzog holds the ultimate power to grant pardons, but typically only does so after a conviction has been handed down and following a recommendation from the Justice Ministry.
