Herzog: 'I acknowledge Trump's Netanyahu pardon request, but Israel is a sovereign state'

President Isaac Herzog stated that while he respects former US President Donald Trumps appeal to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel remains an independent nation with a legal system that must be honored. In an interview with Politico published Saturday, Herzog stressed that any decision would be made strictly in the best interest of the Israeli people and that the process would follow proper procedures. He noted that Netanyahu would need to formally submit a request, which would then be carefully reviewed.

Herzog also addressed perceptions of shifting American attitudes toward Israel, attributing some of the criticism to social media platforms like TikTok, which he described as presenting a narrow and superficial view of the conflict. He expressed concern over an aggressive PR machine amplified globally, including by supporters of Hamas, which distorts the situation in Gaza. Herzog highlighted the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza and insisted that rebuilding efforts must first remove armed groups from urban areas to ensure a safer future.

While reaffirming his respect for the US and its citizens, Herzog emphasized the need for Israel to communicate more effectively to counter widespread misinformation.

Turning to local US politics, Herzog mentioned New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, noting his upcoming visit to receive an honorary degree from Yeshiva University. Although Herzog disagreed with some of Mamdanis statements, he clarified that Jewish self-determination and independence are not contingent on the views of any individual. Herzog suggested that the mayor-elect should seek a deeper understanding of Israel and the perspectives of its supporters.

Author: Chloe Ramirez