Trump launches fierce attack on Herzog, demands immediate pardon for Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Israeli President Isaac Herzog, demanding that he issue a comprehensive presidential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end his legal prosecution on corruption charges. Trump affirmed during an official event at the White House that Herzog should 'be ashamed of himself' for his stance refusing to intervene in the legal process, considering the continuation of the trial an insult to Israeli leadership.

The US President praised Netanyahu's performance during the past period, noting that he made exceptional efforts in managing war affairs and securing Israeli interests. Trump urged the Israeli public to pressure the presidency, emphasizing that not granting a pardon to Netanyahu at this critical time is an inappropriate and shameful act for the Hebrew state.

These statements come after a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in Washington last Wednesday, the seventh meeting between them since Trump assumed his new term. The bilateral discussions focused on complex strategic issues, most notably ways to curb Iran's nuclear program and confront threats related to ballistic missiles developed by Tehran in the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu is the first prime minister in the history of the occupation to face a criminal indictment while still in office, with his prosecution officially beginning in 2019. Netanyahu completely denies all charges against him, which include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, considering these cases an attempt at a political coup against him through the judiciary.

Despite Trump's repeated demands for a pardon, the Israeli President's office previously denied any promises to end Netanyahu's legal cases with a presidential decision. Israeli law grants the President the authority to pardon only those who have been convicted and sentenced, while there are no legal precedents allowing the President to intervene to stop ongoing trial proceedings before the competent courts.

Netanyahu's accusations are distributed across three main files: 'File 1000' accuses him of receiving illegal gifts and benefits from businessmen in exchange for government facilities. 'File 2000' and 'File 4000' focus on Netanyahu's attempts to influence the editorial policies of major media institutions, such as the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper and the Walla website, in exchange for regulatory and financial privileges.

Beyond internal legal crises, Netanyahu faces unprecedented international pressure after an arrest warrant was issued against him by the International Criminal Court in November 2024. The warrant is based on accusations of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during military operations in the Gaza Strip, which places additional restrictions on his international movements and political future.

The Israeli people should make Herzog ashamed for not pardoning Netanyahu, as it is disgraceful not to issue this decision for a leader who performed greatly in the war.