Trump Says Netanyahu Pardon 'On Its Way'; Herzog's Office Disputes It

Source: US News and World Report/Reuters

Dec. 29, 2025, at 2:40 p.m.


PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 29 (Reuters) - ‌U.S. ​President Donald Trump said on ‌Monday that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had told him a ​pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “on its way,” an assertion Herzog’s office was quick ‍to challenge.

"He's a wartime prime ​minister who's a hero. How do you not give a pardon?" Trump told ​reporters while ⁠standing beside Netanyahu before a meeting in Florida. "I spoke to the president ... he tells me it's on its way."

Asked about the U.S. president's remarks, Herzog's office said the Israeli president had not had any conversations with Trump since a pardon request ‌was submitted several weeks ago. Herzog's office said Herzog had spoken to a representative ​for ‌Trump then and it was ‍explained that ⁠any decision would be made in accordance with established procedures.

Netanyahu, Israel's first sitting prime minister to be charged with a crime, denies bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges dating back to his 2019 indictment. His own request for a pardon, submitted on November 30, argued that frequent court hearings impair his ability to govern and that clemency serves the ​national interest.

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-12-29/trump-says-netanyahu-pardon-on-its-way-herzogs-office-disputes-it