President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant an immediate pardon to Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, sharply criticizing Herzog and calling him a “disgrace” as he intensified his public support for Netanyahu during the prime minister’s ongoing corruption trial.

Herzog’s office responded by emphasizing that any decision regarding a presidential pardon will be made independently and without outside pressure.

Trump made the remarks during a phone interview with Axios as he continued a series of media appearances related to the joint U.S.–Israeli military campaign against Iran. During the conversation, he also said he believes he must personally play a role in determining Iran’s next leader and expressed backing for a Kurdish offensive against Iran.

Trump told Axios that Herzog should issue Netanyahu a pardon “today,” explaining that he believes the Israeli prime minister should be able to focus solely on the military campaign against the Iranian regime without being distracted by legal proceedings.

The president said he has raised the matter with Herzog repeatedly over the past year and claimed the Israeli president assured him on five separate occasions that Netanyahu would eventually receive a pardon. Trump added that he is unwilling to meet with Herzog until such a pardon is granted, though there have been no reports that Herzog has attempted to arrange a meeting with him.

Trump further alleged that Herzog has been using the possibility of a pardon as leverage over Netanyahu for roughly a year, despite the fact that Netanyahu only formally requested clemency in November. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the three corruption cases against him, arguing that he has been framed by the police and state prosecutors.

Trump has publicly advocated for Netanyahu to receive a pardon since June 2025, when Israel and Iran were last engaged in direct conflict. The Prime Minister’s Office has denied that Netanyahu ever asked Trump to intervene on his behalf.

Thursday’s comments marked the second time in less than a month that Trump has criticized Herzog on the issue. In February, Trump said Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not granting a pardon to Netanyahu, who is currently standing trial on allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Trump also raised the issue when he addressed the Knesset in October, dismissing the significance of gifts Netanyahu allegedly received in one of the cases. “Who cares about cigars and champagne?”

Following Trump’s latest remarks, the President’s Residence issued a statement that praised Trump’s support for Israel while underscoring that Herzog will ultimately make his decision based on legal considerations.

“President Herzog greatly respects and appreciates the tremendous contribution of Donald Trump to Israel’s security. He views him as the leader of the free world, a central ally of Israel, and particularly values his firm stance against Iran,” the statement said.

Herzog’s office also stressed that Israel “is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law,” noting that Netanyahu’s pardon request is currently being reviewed by the Justice Ministry, which will provide a legal recommendation in accordance with Israeli law.

“After the process is completed, the president will examine the request according to the law, the good of the country, and according to his conscience, without any influence from external or internal pressures of any kind,” his office added.

Netanyahu is currently facing trial in three separate corruption cases. In Case 1000 and Case 2000, he has been charged with fraud and breach of trust, while Case 4000 includes charges of bribery as well as fraud and breach of trust.

{Matzav.com}