Trump demands Herzog quickly pardon Netanyahu amid Iran conflict

The US president calls Herzog a “disgrace,” claiming he’s raised the matter with the Israeli president for a year and that Herzog promised him five times that he would pardon Netanyahu.

Trump says he is refusing to meet Herzog until he gives Netanyahu a pardon. There have been no reported efforts by Herzog to meet with Trump.

Trump claims Herzog’s been holding the issue over Netanyahu’s head for a year.

This was the second time Trump has attacked Herzog in less than a month, after he said in February that Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not granting a pardon to Netanyahu, who is standing trial for alleged fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

Trump has been calling for Netanyahu to be pardoned since June 2025 — meaning less than one year.

Responding to Trump’s criticism last month, Herzog’s office said that contrary to the US president’s claims, the Israeli president has not decided on whether to grant Netanyahu a pardon.

This is because the matter is still being reviewed by the Justice Ministry, which has to provide a legal opinion before the president can make a decision, the statement from Herzog’s office said.

“Only upon completion of that process will President Herzog consider the request in accordance with the law, the best interests of the State of Israel, guided by his conscience, and without any influence from external or internal pressures of any kind,” the statement added.

“President Herzog deeply appreciates President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security. Israel is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law,” the statement added, cautiously suggesting that Trump was trying to infringe on Israel’s sovereignty, while insisting that Herzog would not allow that to occur.