Herzog Acknowledges Trump Pardon Request for Netanyahu, Reaffirms Israeli Sovereignty

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he respects former U.S. President Donald Trump’s request that he pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but emphasized that “Israel is a sovereign country” and will handle any such matter according to its legal framework.

Speaking to Politico in an interview published Saturday, Herzog stated that “the prime minister has to submit an application, a request, and if and when it will happen, it will be, of course, considered duly.”

Herzog, who holds the authority to issue presidential pardons, clarified that any decision would be made solely based on “the best interest of the Israeli people.” Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption in three separate cases and has denied any wrongdoing.

Asked about shifting attitudes toward Israel in the U.S., Herzog attributed much of the criticism to “a very shallow discourse” on platforms like TikTok and “a very aggressive PR [machine]” funded in part by Hamas allies. He lamented the humanitarian toll in Gaza but said rebuilding the territory is impossible without first removing “the terrorists from the city.”

Commenting on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani who recently threatened to enforce an ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu—Herzog urged greater understanding rather than confrontation. While disturbed by Mamdani’s rhetoric, he stated, “The rights of the Jewish people for self-determination and independence do not depend on Zohran Mamdani.”

Herzog is scheduled to visit New York this month to receive an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.