US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Israeli President Isaac Herzog over the issue of pardoning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges.
Trump described Netanyahu as an extraordinary war leader and criticized Herzog for not granting a presidential pardon. He also said that the Israeli people should pressure Herzog to use the pardon power.
The statement came a day after Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House, their seventh meeting since Trump returned to office last year.
The close relationship between the two right-wing leaders continues to be a focus of attention, especially as each faces political controversies and legal challenges.
Netanyahu is accused of accepting lavish gifts as bribes and considering a deal with a media outlet in exchange for coverage that would benefit his government.
The trial began in 2020 but has been frequently interrupted by geopolitical tensions, including the protracted conflict in Gaza.
Trump has previously publicly suggested that Herzog consider pardoning Netanyahu, including during a speech to the Knesset. He has also been seen to downplay the corruption charges facing Netanyahu.
The Israeli presidential office has stressed that any pardon request must go through the legal review process as prescribed.
The request is now reportedly being reviewed by the Israeli Ministry of Justice for legal advice.
At the same time, Netanyahu is also facing international pressure after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
This development shows Trump's direct interference in Israeli domestic political issues, thus adding to tensions in the regional and global political landscape.
