Trump Claims Herzog Agreed to Netanyahu Pardon, Israeli President Denies Conversation
Updated December 29, 2025 – A public disagreement has emerged between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli President Isaac Herzog regarding a potential pardon for prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump asserted on Monday that Herzog had indicated a pardon for Netanyahu was “on its way,” a claim swiftly and directly refuted by the Israeli President’s office. This incident underscores a pattern of Trump’s interventions in Israeli political and judicial affairs, notably concerning Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trials.
The Core of the Dispute:
The exchange occurred following a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, where the Israeli Prime Minister is seeking to bolster support for his approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and potentially discuss escalating tensions with Iran. When questioned about a pardon for netanyahu,who faces multiple corruption charges,Trump stated confidently,”I think he will,” adding,”How do you not? He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?” He further claimed, ”I spoke to the president, he tells me it’s on its way. you can’t do better than that,right?”
However,Herzog’s office issued a near-immediate statement clarifying that no such conversation took place. The statement detailed that several weeks prior, a representative of Trump had inquired about the status of a formal pardon request. herzog’s office explained that the representative was informed a decision would be made following established legal procedures, a position consistent with the President’s public statements within Israel. Later on Monday, when pressed on whether he had directly discussed the pardon with Herzog, Trump simply responded ”no,” while reiterating his belief that Netanyahu shoudl and will be pardoned.
Why This Matters: A Delicate Balance of Power
This situation is far more complex than a simple disagreement. It highlights the precarious position Israel finds itself in, navigating a relationship with the United States that is critical for its security and diplomatic standing. Trump’s overt pressure on Herzog to pardon netanyahu is unprecedented and places the Israeli President in a arduous constitutional and political bind.
as a former diplomat with decades of experience in the region, I can attest to the sensitivity surrounding any perceived external interference in Israel’s legal system. The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of Israeli democracy, and a direct presidential push from the U.S. risks undermining that principle.
Furthermore, Trump’s repeated comparisons between Netanyahu’s legal battles and his own past legal challenges add another layer of complexity. This framing suggests a personal investment in the outcome, potentially influencing his approach to broader U.S.-Israel relations.
Behind the scenes: Frustration and Shifting Alliances
The public display of support for Netanyahu is somewhat surprising given the growing frustration within Trump’s inner circle regarding the Prime Minister’s handling of the Gaza peace process. Sources indicate that many within the administration believe Netanyahu is deliberately delaying progress.
According to a recent report, a White House official stated last week that Netanyahu had “lost” the trust and support of nearly everyone in the administration, with Trump being the notable exception. Even Trump, however, reportedly expressed a desire for a faster resolution to the Gaza situation. Netanyahu, for his part, reportedly hoped to leverage the Mar-a-Lago meeting to sway Trump towards a more hawkish stance.
following the meeting, Trump downplayed any concerns about the pace of the peace plan, stating, “I’m not concerned about anything that Israel is doing.” This seemingly contradictory statement suggests Trump may be prioritizing maintaining a strong relationship with Netanyahu over pushing for specific policy outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Iran and Regional Stability
The conversation also touched upon Iran, with Trump stating a willingness to take aggressive action if Iran resumes its nuclear program, declaring, “we’ll knock the hell out of them.” U.S. and Israeli officials anticipated Netanyahu would use the meeting to advocate for renewed military action against Iran, a position that aligns with a more hardline approach to regional security.
Key Takeaways:
* Direct Denial: President Herzog’s office has unequivocally denied Trump’s claim of a conversation agreeing to a Netanyahu pardon.
* U.S. Influence: The incident underscores the notable influence the U.S. holds over Israeli politics and the delicate balance Israel must maintain.
* Internal Divisions: frustration within Trump’s administration regarding Netanyahu’s policies exists, despite the public display of support.
* Iran Concerns: The meeting also served as a platform to discuss
