Trump Calls Israeli President ‘Shameful’ Over Pardon Delay; Netanyahu Team Claims Uninvolved

Sources close to Israeli President Isaac Herzog have sought clarification from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding whether he was connected to or had prior knowledge of recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized Herzog for not granting him a pardon.

According to the sources, if Netanyahu had any involvement with the comments, it would constitute “crossing a red line.”

On Thursday, Trump stated that Netanyahu should receive a pardon for corruption charges and labeled Herzog “ashamed of himself” for not granting one.

Under Israeli law, the president holds the power to pardon or commute sentences, typically following recommendations from the Justice Ministry. The role is largely ceremonial but includes formal powers such as approving pardons.

Tensions over presidential pardons have arisen in Israel, where such decisions carry significant political and legal implications.

However, direct public criticism of a sitting Israeli president by a U.S. president is unusual and could introduce diplomatic sensitivities.

Netanyahu’s team stated that Trump’s remarks on the pardon were solely his opinion and that Netanyahu learned about it through media channels without prior knowledge.