Israeli President will offer Netanyahu a deal instead of a pardon – NYT
27 April 07:15
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided not to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon in his corruption cases for the time being, The New York Times reported, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Instead of a pardon, Herzog wants to act as a mediator between Netanyahu and the investigation and secure a deal for the politician. Herzog justifies his reluctance to pardon Netanyahu by noting that the issue is dividing society in the country, and his role as president is to promote national unity,” NYT sources among officials said on condition of anonymity.
Hertzog’s office told the publication that the president “has emphasized that he considers reaching a mutually acceptable solution for the parties to be in the public interest,” and that in deciding whether to pardon Netanyahu, he “will act strictly in accordance with Israeli law, guided by his conscience and in the interests of the state.”
“The role of the president in Israel is largely ceremonial, but one of his few real powers is precisely the right to grant pardons,” the NYT notes.
Netanyahu and Trump urged Herzog to approve the pardon
In November 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent an official request for a pardon to Herzog. He also released a video statement in which he claimed that his pardon “would help restore national unity,” as the controversy surrounding the politician’s corruption case “has divided the country.”
Separately, Netanyahu complained that the requirement to appear in court three times a week distracts him from governing the country. At the same time, he did not admit his guilt.
Prior to this, U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his friendly relations with the Israeli prime minister, had asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu. In October, the American leader, speaking before the Israeli parliament (the Knesset), declared from the podium: “I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you pardon him? Pardon him, come on!”
Later, Trump appealed to Herzog in writing. Trump cites Israel’s “unprecedented successes” under Netanyahu as grounds for a pardon, and the case against him as “politically motivated persecution.” In a series of comments, Trump described Herzog himself as a “disgraceful,” “weak,” and “pathetic” person because he had not previously pardoned Netanyahu, the NYT notes.
In response to Trump’s letter, Herzog’s office reminded him that the person seeking a pardon must submit the relevant request himself.
