Story perspectives

Herzog Rejects Trump-Backed Pardon, Seeks Mediated Deal for Netanyahu.

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Isaac Herzog said he will seek a mediated plea agreement rather than grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon.
He has shelved the November pardon request as negotiations with the Attorney General proceed, while Netanyahu faces corruption cases—bribery, fraud, breach of trust—on trial since 2020.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Herzog to issue the pardon, although the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department warned it is problematic because the trial is ongoing.

History

Historical Context

On September 8 1974 President Gerald Ford issued a full, unconditional pardon to former President Richard Nixon, ending any criminal liability for the Watergate scandal. Critics called it a “corrupt bargain,” and Ford’s approval fell from 71% to 50%, contributing to the Republicans’ loss of 43 House seats in the 1974 midterms, echoing earlier controversial uses of the pardon power.

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Story summary

President Isaac Herzog said he will seek a mediated plea agreement rather than grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon.
He has shelved the November pardon request as negotiations with the Attorney General proceed, while Netanyahu faces corruption cases—bribery, fraud, breach of trust—on trial since 2020.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Herzog to issue the pardon, although the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department warned it is problematic because the trial is ongoing.

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