Israeli President's Office Denies Trump's Claim of Imminent Netanyahu Pardon

Herzog's Office Refutes Trump's Statement

The office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday, December 30, 2025, issued a denial regarding a claim made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had stated that a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges, was 'on its way' and that he had spoken with Herzog about the matter. Herzog's office clarified that there had been no direct conversation between President Herzog and President Trump since a pardon request for Netanyahu was submitted in November.

Trump made his remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Florida, where he reportedly said, 'How can you not? He's a wartime prime minister who's a hero. How do you not give a pardon?' He further claimed, 'I spoke to the president, and he tells me it's on its way. You can't do better than that, right?' However, Herzog's office stated that while a representative on Trump's behalf had inquired about a letter Trump sent in November urging a pardon, no such conversation with Trump himself had taken place.

Netanyahu's Corruption Trial and Pardon Request

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases, known as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000. The trial commenced on May 24, 2020, making Netanyahu the first sitting Israeli leader to stand as a criminal defendant. He has consistently denied all charges.

In early December, Netanyahu submitted an official request to President Herzog for a pardon from these corruption charges. This request has reportedly sparked divisions within Israel, as many believe a pardon should only be granted if Netanyahu admits guilt and withdraws from political life, conditions he has repeatedly refused.

The Israeli Presidential Pardon Process

In Israel, the President holds the authority to pardon offenders and commute or reduce sentences, a power enshrined in the Basic Law: The President of the State. Typically, a pardon is considered only after a full evaluation by relevant authorities, including the Justice Ministry, and usually after a conviction. While the President has broad discretion, the established policy generally dictates that pardon requests are reviewed once all legal proceedings have concluded.

Although rare, a pre-conviction pardon is possible in exceptional circumstances, as seen in the 'Bus 300' affair. However, such instances often involve an admission of guilt, which is notably absent in Netanyahu's current request. The President's legal team reviews the complete file before a decision is made, with the process designed to be rigorous and based on the merits of each individual case.