US President Trump Criticizes Israeli President Over Netanyahu Pardon

US President Donald Trump expressed his views on Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a press conference on Thursday, stating that Herzog should be “ashamed” for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing bribery charges.

Trump highlighted Netanyahu’s role as an “extraordinary” wartime leader and emphasized the importance of presidential clemency. He urged Israelis to pressure Herzog to grant the pardon, saying that Herzog’s decision was “disgraceful.”

The comments come after Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House earlier this week, marking their seventh meeting since Trump returned to power last year. Netanyahu is accused of receiving lavish gifts as bribes and discussing deals with media outlet owners for favorable coverage.

Herzog has maintained that any pardon request must follow standard procedures under Israeli law. However, Trump’s comments suggest he is directly intervening in Israel’s domestic politics.

Trump had previously suggested granting Netanyahu a pardon during a speech to the Israeli parliament last year. Herzog has defended his position on pardoning, stating that it would require adherence to established laws and procedures.

Netanyahu also faces an arrest warrant at the International Criminal Court over war crime charges in Gaza, including allegations of using starvation as a weapon of war. Herzog has been criticized for his stance on the conflict, with some groups citing his comments as evidence of Israel’s genocidal intent in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera