Mon Dec 29 23:05:57 UTC 2025: News Article:
Trump Claims Israeli President Assured Netanyahu Pardon is “On Its Way,” Herzog’s Office Denies
Palm Beach, Florida – December 30, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump ignited controversy on Monday, December 29, 2025, by claiming that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had assured him a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was imminent. Trump made the remarks during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, where he was meeting with Netanyahu.
“He’s a wartime prime minister who’s a hero. How do you not give a pardon?” Trump told reporters, while standing beside Netanyahu. “I spoke to the president… he tells me it’s on its way.”
However, Herzog’s office swiftly refuted Trump’s assertions, stating that the Israeli President had not spoken with Trump directly since Netanyahu’s pardon request was submitted weeks ago. They clarified that Herzog had spoken with a Trump representative, who indicated that any decision regarding a pardon would follow established procedures.
Netanyahu, currently facing bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges dating back to his 2019 indictment, formally requested a pardon on November 30, 2025, arguing that the ongoing trial impairs his ability to govern. The request came after the start of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, part of Trump’s plan to end the war and expand diplomatic ties across the region.
The request has faced strong criticism, with opponents arguing a mid-trial pardon would violate the rule of law. While the Israeli President has the authority to grant pardons, there is no precedent for doing so mid-trial.
Trump has been a vocal supporter of Netanyahu, and urged Herzog to grant clemency in a formal letter in November, calling the case a “political, unjustified prosecution.” The situation is being closely watched for its potential impact on Israeli politics and the ongoing legal proceedings against the Prime Minister.
(Original article published in The Hindu e-Paper on December 30, 2025)
Summary of the Text:
Donald Trump claimed Israeli President Isaac Herzog told him a pardon for Benjamin Netanyahu was “on its way.” Herzog’s office denied the claim, stating no direct conversations occurred since the pardon request. Netanyahu is seeking a pardon to avoid court hearings and continue to govern. The request is controversial and faces criticism for potentially violating the rule of law. Trump supports Netanyahu and urged Herzog to grant clemency.
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