Israel’s president addresses Trump criticism over Netanyahu pardon

Friday 13 February 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Israel’s president addresses Trump criticism over Netanyahu pardon

Israeli President Isaac Herzog responded to comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing him for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog emphasized that Israel operates under the rule of law and that the pardon request remains under legal review.

According to Herzog’s office, Netanyahu’s formal request, submitted in November 2025, is still being examined by the Ministry of Justice. “Only after the completion of this process will President Herzog consider the request in accordance with the law, the best interests of the State of Israel, and guided by his conscience, without any external or internal influence,” the statement read.

Herzog also expressed appreciation for Trump’s contributions to Israel’s security, while stressing that no decision regarding the pardon has been made. The president’s statement came after Trump publicly urged him to grant clemency, describing Herzog’s inaction as “disgraceful.”

Legal context

Netanyahu’s pardon request seeks relief from ongoing corruption charges without an admission of guilt or withdrawal from public life. Israeli law requires an admission of guilt before a presidential pardon can be granted. Netanyahu has consistently denied all allegations during his trial.

Beyond domestic proceedings, Netanyahu is also facing international scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where over 71,000 civilians have been killed and more than 171,000 injured since October 2023, including a large number of women and children.

The case highlights the complex intersection of domestic law, international legal obligations, and political pressures affecting Israel’s highest offices.