President Isaac Herzog was en route back to Israel from Australia when former United States President Donald Trump publicly urged him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he should be “ashamed” for not doing so.
Trump Calls for Netanyahu Pardon
“I think the people of Israel should really shame him. He’s disgraceful for not giving it. He should give it,” Trump said during a White House event.
The comments reached Herzog mid-flight, aboard a commercial airliner carrying him and his delegation home after a four-day visit.
While in flight, Herzog gathered his advisers and staff to formulate a response at 30,000 feet.
In a written statement issued from the plane, the President’s Residence stated that the prime minister’s pardon request is currently with the Justice Ministry for a legal opinion and that only after this process is complete will Herzog consider it.
“Only after the process is concluded will the president examine the request in accordance with the law, the good of the state, and his conscience — and without any influence from external or internal pressures of any kind,” the statement said.
The statement added that Herzog “appreciates President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security,” while stressing that Israel is “a sovereign state governed by the rule of law” and that no decision has yet been made.
When asked by reporters traveling with him for his personal reaction, Herzog replied: “To the best of my recollection, I am the president of Israel.”
Herzog repeatedly stated during his trip that the pardon request was being examined according to established procedures.
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