US President Donald Trump claimed that President Isaac Herzog told him a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was coming during his speech after a Trump-Netanyahu meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Monday.
"The pardon is on the way," Trump commented.
In response, the President's Residence issued a statement denying that any such conversation took place.
"Several weeks ago, a conversation took place between President Herzog and a representative on behalf of Trump, who inquired about the American president’s letter. During that conversation, an explanation was given regarding the stage the request is currently at, and that any decision would be made according to established procedures. This was conveyed to Trump’s representative exactly as President Herzog explained to the Israeli public," the statement said.
Trump: Netanyahu a 'hero'
Trump also described Netanyahu as a "hero," and said that it was a "very hard thing" not grant him a pardon.
Trump additionally said he would support an Israeli attack on Iran if it continues developing missiles, and especially its nuclear program, saying that the US would take action against the latter "immediately."
Netanyahu formally submitted a pardon request to Herzog in November.
Before that, Trump asked Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during his October Knesset address.
Sarah Ben-Nun, Amichai Stein, and Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.