Trump calls Israel’s president ‘disgraceful’ for not pardoning Netanyahu | Donald Trump News
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President Trump Criticizes Israeli President Herzog Over Netanyahu Pardon Request
Donald Trump intensified his calls for a pardon of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is embroiled in bribery allegations. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump characterized Netanyahu as an “extraordinary” wartime leader and criticized President Isaac Herzog for not granting presidential clemency.
Trump stated, “You have a president that refuses to give him a pardon. I think that man should be ashamed of himself.” He urged the Israeli public to pressure Herzog to support a pardon, adding, “He’s disgraceful for not giving it. He should give it.”
These remarks came one day after Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House, marking their seventh meeting since Trump resumed the presidency last year. The accusations against Netanyahu involve accepting lavish gifts as bribes and negotiating with media owners for favorable coverage.
Netanyahu’s first trial began in 2020 but has faced delays due to geopolitical turmoil, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The U.S. has previously urged Herzog, whose executive role is primarily ceremonial but includes pardoning authority, to consider amnesty for Netanyahu.
With these latest comments, Trump appears to be directly involving himself in Israeli domestic politics. The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu reflects their shared political ideologies and resilience in the face of scandals.
Herzog has maintained that any request for a pardon will be processed in accordance with Israel’s legal framework. In addition to his domestic challenges, Netanyahu also faces a warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza, including accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war.
