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Herzog Rejects Trump’s Pardon Call, Seeks Netanyahu Mediation

4/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Isaac Herzog invited Netanyahu’s lawyer and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to plea-bargain talks.
Herzog said he will not grant a pardon now and is seeking mediation.
The Justice Ministry warned a pardon would be unlikely because the trial is ongoing and Netanyahu has not admitted guilt.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, but Herzog says pardon must obey Israeli law as the trial resumes this week.

History

Historical Context

After Watergate eroded trust, President Gerald Ford issued Proclamation 4311 on September 8 1974, granting former President Richard Nixon a full pardon; Gallup polls showed his approval slide from 71% to 50%. Decades later, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, citing that precedent, declined an immediate pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite former President Donald Trump’s urging.

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Story summary

President Isaac Herzog invited Netanyahu’s lawyer and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to plea-bargain talks.
Herzog said he will not grant a pardon now and is seeking mediation.
The Justice Ministry warned a pardon would be unlikely because the trial is ongoing and Netanyahu has not admitted guilt.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, but Herzog says pardon must obey Israeli law as the trial resumes this week.

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