Trump Calls for Pardon for Netanyahu and Herzog Responds: "Follow Legal Procedures"

SadaNews - Israeli President Isaac Herzog received an official message from U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to consider granting a pardon to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing trial on corruption charges. Trump described the case as "political and unjustified," affirming that a pardon for Netanyahu "would enable him to unify Israel and end the state of war."

In response to the message, Herzog emphasized that "those who wish to obtain a pardon must submit a formal request in accordance with the applicable rules," indicating that legal procedures cannot be circumvented even at the request of a U.S. president.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid commented, saying: "Just to remind, Israeli law states that the first condition for obtaining a pardon is the acknowledgment of guilt and expression of remorse," in a clear reference to Netanyahu not having yet admitted to any of the charges against him.