A sharp public rebuke from former President Donald Trump directed at Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, has ignited a fierce debate across Israel. Trump criticized Herzog for his perceived delay in pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces a protracted corruption trial.
During a White House press briefing on Thursday, Trump explicitly labeled President Herzog’s actions as ‘disgraceful’. He went further, suggesting that ‘the people of Israel should really shame him’ for not granting Netanyahu a reprieve from his legal troubles.
This bold intrusion into Israel’s internal affairs, coupled with Trump’s provocative language, quickly escalated into an unusual public dispute between two allied nations. The controversy centered on the dignity of the Israeli presidency, a role typically ceremonial. While some high-ranking Israeli officials, including President Herzog himself, pushed back against Trump’s statements, several of Netanyahu’s loyalists echoed Trump’s sentiments.
President Herzog’s office promptly responded, indicating that Trump’s remarks had clearly struck a nerve. A statement issued Thursday night confirmed that no decision had been made regarding a pardon for Netanyahu, and the case remained under review by the Ministry of Justice.
‘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 emphasized. While acknowledging Trump’s ‘significant contribution’ to Israel’s security, the statement subtly underscored a critical principle: ‘Israel is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law.’
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations and a former minister from Netanyahu’s Likud party, spoke to Israel’s Army Radio on Sunday. He expressed his appreciation and respect for Trump. However, Danon added a caveat: ‘I expect him also to appreciate and respect our president, President Herzog.’ He further commented on Trump’s aggressive tone, suggesting, ‘Regarding the style, I think he should have said it in a different way.’
Trump’s comments came just a day after his discussions with Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday. This timing sparked widespread speculation in Israel that Netanyahu might have instigated Trump’s intervention. However, Netanyahu’s aides vehemently denied this accusation late on Saturday. A statement from Netanyahu’s representatives claimed, ‘The prime minister heard about it from the media and did not know about it in advance.’
Netanyahu’s corruption trial has been ongoing for five years. He faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three distinct yet interconnected cases. These accusations claim he granted favors to powerful tycoons in exchange for personal gifts and favorable media coverage for himself and his family. Netanyahu consistently denies any wrongdoing, framing the charges as a politically motivated ‘witch hunt’ orchestrated by a liberal ‘deep state.’
The high-profile trial has deeply polarized Israeli society. Throughout this period, Trump has repeatedly interjected himself into the complex situation, consistently pressuring President Herzog to issue a pardon for Netanyahu. During an October visit to Israel, Trump delivered a rambling address to the Israeli Parliament. In a striking moment, he turned directly to President Herzog, who was on the podium, and publicly demanded, ‘Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon?’
Just a month later, Trump escalated his efforts by sending a formal letter to the Israeli president, reiterating his request for a full pardon for Netanyahu, thereby intensifying the pressure on Herzog. In late November, merely two weeks after Trump’s letter, Netanyahu himself submitted a formal, pre-emptive request for a pardon, a move President Herzog publicly described as ‘extraordinary.’ Critics vehemently argued that granting such a pardon while the trial was ongoing would fundamentally undermine the rule of law and a cornerstone of Israeli democracy. Israel’s presidency is primarily a ceremonial position, with the power to grant pardons being one of the few significant responsibilities of President Herzog. However, legal experts generally agree that pardons are typically reserved for individuals who have already been convicted. They contend that a pre-emptive pardon request, especially while a trial is ongoing, directly challenges the foundational democratic principle of equality before the law in Israel.
Despite the ongoing review, on Thursday, Trump incorrectly stated that President Herzog had already refused to grant Netanyahu a pardon. Trump claimed Herzog had been presented with the opportunity ‘five different times,’ but wouldn’t act ‘because, I guess he loses his power.’ He reiterated his harsh criticism, declaring Herzog ‘disgraceful’ and asserting, ‘He should be ashamed of himself.’
Miri Regev, an Israeli government minister and staunch Netanyahu loyalist, came to Trump’s defense. In weekend radio interviews, she argued that Netanyahu’s trial should have been halted, expressing regret that Trump felt compelled to repeatedly address Herzog’s delay in considering the pardon.