Trump Claims Israeli President Promised To Pardon Netanyahu; Herzog Denies Any Conversation About Pardon

After a Mar-a-Lago meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had told him a pardon for Netanyahu was "on its way."

“ANI |Updated:Dec 30, 2025 06:12IST Florida [US], December 30 (ANI): US President DonaldTrumpon Monday said a pardon forIsraeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahuin an ongoing corruption case is "on its way," claiming thatIsraeli President Isaac Herzog had conveyed this to him, even as Herzog's office later denied any such remarks”

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Trump publicly portrayed Netanyahu as a wartime leader and a hero and urged clemency while standing beside the embattled prime minister.

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Multiple outlets reported that Trump said the pardon was imminent and that he repeatedly pushed for clemency as part of his support for Netanyahu.

The meeting followed a period of U.S.-brokered ceasefires and diplomatic activity around Gaza and the release of hostages.

Both leaders described the session as productive despite acknowledging some policy differences.

Isaac Herzog's office immediately contradicted Trump's account, saying Herzog had not spoken with Trump since receiving Netanyahu's formal clemency request and that only a Trump representative had been briefed about legal procedures.

Multiple outlets reported the same denial, noting the presidency insisted any pardon must follow established procedures and that there had been no direct conversation confirming a promise.

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Media reports said the presidency thanked Trump for his support but reiterated that clemency decisions are handled according to Israeli law.

The pardon push stems from Netanyahu's unprecedented legal situation.

“Israeli President Isaac Herzog has denied U”

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He is the first serving Israeli prime minister to be criminally charged and faces 2019 counts of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies.

Netanyahu formally submitted a clemency request on Nov. 30, arguing the trial disrupts governance.

Critics say granting a pardon mid-trial would break legal norms.

Reports note Trump and allies have repeatedly lobbied Israeli officials for clemency.

Some Israeli figures view outside pressure as interference in national sovereignty.

Coverage varies by outlet and regional perspective: some sources foreground Trump's praise and the claim of an imminent pardon, others lead with Herzog's denial and the legal safeguards, while a few include the diplomatic context and domestic backlash.