Herzog: The Pardon for Netanyahu is an Internal Israeli Matter

SadaNews: Israeli President Isaac Herzog rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's calls to pardon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges, in statements to the American news site "Politico" published on Saturday.

Herzog said: "I respect President Trump's friendship and opinion," and praised Trump's role in securing the release of detainees from the Gaza Strip. However, he affirmed that Israel is a sovereign state and its legal system must be fully respected.

Netanyahu has been on trial for over 5 years on charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery. Trump has repeatedly urged Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, including in a recent letter signed by him and published by Herzog's office.

The letter stated that Trump respects the independence of the Israeli judiciary but believes that the charges against Netanyahu are politically motivated.

The American president also raised this issue during a visit to the Israeli parliament last October.

Recently, Herzog's office revealed that Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from the Israeli president. Herzog stated that the request is currently being processed through a process involving the Ministry of Justice and the legal advisory team of his office.

He said: "This is certainly an exceptional request, and above all, when dealing with it, I will consider what is the best interest for the Israeli people. The welfare of the Israeli people is my first, second, and third priority."