Herzog confirms ongoing review of Netanyahu's pardon request and rejects external pressures

The office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a decisive clarifying statement, confirming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pardon request is still under review and scrutiny. The statement clarified that the presidency is committed to established legal procedures and will not issue a final decision until receiving a detailed legal opinion from the Ministry of Justice. This step comes amid widespread political and legal anticipation regarding the fate of the cases that have pursued Netanyahu for years.\n\nHerzog emphasized in his statement that the presidency will operate with complete independence, free from any external or internal influences or pressures. This statement is seen as an indirect response to the sharp criticism directed by the current US administration regarding the handling of Netanyahu's case. Sources confirmed that Herzog seeks to preserve the prestige of the judiciary and the independence of sovereign decision-making, away from heated political tensions.\n\nUS President Donald Trump had launched a scathing attack on Herzog during a White House press conference, describing his stance as shameful. Trump believes that the trials Netanyahu has faced since 2019 are merely an obstacle to the regional stability Washington seeks to achieve. According to the American view, protecting strategic allies requires overcoming what he described as bureaucratic constraints to complete major understandings.\n\nBenjamin Netanyahu, the first prime minister in the history of the occupation to be tried while in office, faces serious charges including bribery and breach of trust. Investigations focus on three main cases related to accepting luxurious gifts from businessmen valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. The accusations also include attempts to influence media coverage through deals with press moguls to ensure their political loyalty.\n\nDespite the earlier dropping of one of the cases, the remaining files still pose a significant concern in political and security circles. The US administration believes that the continuation of these prosecutions weakens the internal front of its strongest ally in the region. Washington seeks to push for the closure of these files to ensure that the leadership in Tel Aviv can focus on joint strategic projects.\n\nConversely, there is a state of concern within the occupation authorities regarding the increasing influence of American intervention in internal judicial affairs. Observers fear that Trump's "deal diplomacy" could undermine the independence of Israeli courts. Netanyahu is trying to leverage this international momentum to promote the idea that his pardon represents a "national necessity" dictated by current circumstances.\n\nOn the diplomatic front, Netanyahu recently signed a memorandum to join the so-called "Peace Council" during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This move reflects the depth of the alliance between Washington and Tel Aviv, as Trump considers any instability in the leadership of the occupation a threat to American interests. Herzog's anticipated decision remains the decisive factor in determining Netanyahu's political and legal future.\n\nThe presidency will operate without any influence from external pressures, and a final decision on the pardon will not be made until the legal opinion from the Ministry of Justice is complete.