Trump Rages at Israel’s Herzog After Netanyahu Meeting
- President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly calling Herzog “disgraceful” and suggesting the Israeli...
- The rebuke came during a White House event, and reached Herzog mid-flight as he returned to Israel from a four-day visit to Australia.
- President Herzog responded with a statement issued from the plane, explaining that Netanyahu’s request for a pardon is currently under review by the Justice Ministry.
Trump Criticizes Israeli President Over Netanyahu Pardon
– Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly calling Herzog “disgraceful” and suggesting the Israeli public should be “ashamed” of him.
The rebuke came during a White House event, and reached Herzog mid-flight as he returned to Israel from a four-day visit to Australia. According to reports, Trump’s comments appeared to stem from a belief that Netanyahu deserves a pardon in light of his ongoing criminal proceedings.
President Herzog responded with a statement issued from the plane, explaining that Netanyahu’s request for a pardon is currently under review by the Justice Ministry. He emphasized that a legal opinion is being sought and that any decision will be made in accordance with the law and the best interests of the state of Israel. Herzog underscored Israel’s status as a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law, stating that no decision has been made at this time.
The timing of Trump’s intervention is notable, coming after a lengthy, two-hour and 45-minute meeting with Netanyahu, portions of which were held privately. Sources suggest someone may have “filled the American president’s head with utter nonsense,” prompting the unusual public outburst.
Officials at the President’s Office expressed surprise at Trump’s remarks, stressing that Herzog has not yet made a decision regarding a pardon for Netanyahu. They also noted that the president appreciates Trump’s past support. However, individuals who have spoken with Netanyahu in recent weeks reportedly believe his chances of receiving a pardon are only around 30 percent.
During a visit to Israel last October, Trump had reportedly asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, and followed up with a formal letter on the matter. While the legal process surrounding the pardon request has not changed significantly in recent weeks, Trump’s recent comments suggest other factors may be influencing his position.
The situation adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught political landscape in Israel, where Netanyahu is facing ongoing legal challenges. The U.S. Has also recently increased its military presence in the Middle East, with the deployment of a second carrier strike group, while Turkey has cautioned against further escalation of conflict in the region.