Trump Claims Netanyahu Pardon ‘On the Way,’ Israeli Presidency Denies

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy Monday by publicly claiming that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had told him a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “on the way.” The statement, made during a speech following Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, was swiftly denied by the Israeli President’s Residence.

According to Trump, Herzog had directly indicated that a pardon was imminent. “The pardon is on the way,” he said, referring to Netanyahu, whom he also described as a “hero.”

But the Israeli president’s office quickly responded, firmly rejecting Trump’s assertion. In a statement, Herzog’s office clarified that while a conversation had occurred “several weeks ago” between Herzog and a Trump representative, it did not include any commitment or assurances regarding a pardon.

The statement emphasized that Herzog had merely explained the procedural status of Netanyahu’s formal pardon request, which was submitted in November. “Any decision would be made according to established procedures,” the president’s office said, echoing previous public remarks Herzog made to the Israeli public.

This is not the first time Trump has inserted himself into the Israeli judicial process. During his Knesset address in October, he called on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu who currently faces multiple corruption charges and has denied all wrongdoing.

The latest flare-up places pressure on the Israeli presidency to maintain neutrality amid politically charged efforts to secure clemency for the sitting prime minister. It also highlights the increasingly personal relationship between Netanyahu and Trump, who appear to be working closely ahead of potential shifts in both countries’ political landscapes.

During the same speech, Trump doubled down on foreign policy, saying he would support an Israeli strike on Iran if the Islamic Republic continues developing its missile or nuclear capabilities. He pledged U.S. support “immediately” should Iran cross the nuclear threshold.

While Trump’s remarks on Netanyahu’s legal situation may have been intended to project confidence, they have created diplomatic tension at home and revived debate about the separation between Israel’s judiciary and political leadership.

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