Israeli President Herzog responds to Trump: PM Netanyahu’s pardon request to be considered without external pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday regarding a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. At the White House, he stated, “You have a president who refuses to give [Netanyahu] a pardon. I think the man should be ashamed of himself.”

Trump also praised Netanyahu’s wartime leadership. When asked about Oct. 7, he responded, “Everybody’s responsible.”

He also addressed the Iranian issue, saying, “We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic,” adding, “They should have made a deal the first time.” 

“We had a very good meeting yesterday with Bibi Netanyahu, and he understands. But it’s ultimately up to me,” Trump said.

.@POTUS: The Prime Minister of Israel has been a very good wartime prime minister and the President of Israel refuses to give him a pardon. He doesn't want to do it because he'll lose his power. pic.twitter.com/t4nyXA26Uv

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 12, 2026

In response, the Herzog's office issued a statement: “To clarify, the Prime Minister’s request is currently under review at the Ministry of Justice for a legal opinion in accordance with the established procedures. 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.”

It added that Herzog “deeply appreciates President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security,” before emphasizing that “Israel is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law. Contrary to the impression created by President Trump’s remarks, President Herzog has not yet made any decision on this matter.” 

In November, Netanyahu sent a letter to Herzog requesting that the charges against him be dropped, without acknowledging any wrongdoing. 

“Despite my personal interest in conducting the trial and proving my innocence until my full acquittal, I believe the public interest dictates otherwise,” the letter stated, citing “security challenges and the diplomatic opportunities currently facing Israel.”

Trump previously commented on the issue several times and even sent a letter to Herzog in November, calling on him to consider pardoning Netanyahu. 

In the letter, he praised Netanyahu’s steadfast leadership during the difficult war. “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister, and is now leading Israel into a time of peace,” Trump wrote.

On Oct. 13, during his first speech in the Knesset following the release of 20 living hostages, Trump jokingly asked Herzog to pardon the prime minister in front of the assembled audience. The remark drew applause. “Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?” Trump added.