Isaac Herzog

Herzog : 'I respect Trump’s Netanyahu pardon request, but Israel is a sovereign state' - Politico

The Israeli leader added that he would only act "in the best interest of the Israeli people” and said he would consider that matter carefully.

President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog (R) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025.

WATCH: Herzog, German Chancellor Merz discuss final Gaza hostage, Arrow 3 exchange in Jerusalem

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dealing with a US president who is personally, emotionally, and politically invested in his fate. Trump has never hidden his view that Netanyahu should be pardoned. Here, the two stand together in the Knesset, during Trump’s October visit.

Trump, trial, and troops: Inside the perfect political storm that triggered Netanyahu's pardon push

WITH PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu at his side at Ben-Gurion Airport, US President Donald Trump concludes his trip to Israel in October.

My Word: Trials and errors, and granting pardons - opinion


Religious Zionist Party crosses threshold with four seats as coalition bloc climbs to 53 - poll

The poll shows the coalition bloc rising to 53 seats, up four from the previous survey, driven by Religious Zionism’s gains. The opposition bloc gained 57 seats.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich seen after a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem on December 4, 2025.

President Herzog to visit New York on Sunday

Herzog has been invited to speak at Yeshiva University, where he will receive an honorary doctorate. He will also be the guest of honor of the American Zionist Movement.

President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.

Pardoning Netanyahu would weaken Israel, empower Trump's interference - opinion

AS Trump's poodle, a pardoned Netanyahu would be less free to speak up when he feels America’s actions go against Israel’s interests.

PRESIDENT ISAAC Herzog and US President Donald Trump in the Knesset in October: Granting Netanyahu a pardon and dropping all criminal charges against him would dangerously embolden Trump and weaken Herzog, the writer argues.

White Rose Society awards presented to US Amb. Huckabee, Pastor O.S. Hawkins

The prizes, awarded in memory of Christians who resisted fascism and fought against Nazi oppression during the Second World War, were presented during a ceremony in Israel for the first time.

US AMBASSADOR to Israel Mike Huckabee visits the Western Wall in August. The words on his kippah read: ‘Together we will fight.’ American interests are served when Israel acts from strength, the writer asserts.

Netanyahu's pardon request: An act of sheer chutzpah, utter disrespect for democracy - opinion

President Herzog is indeed the last line of defense of an Israeli democracy shaken for the past three years by Netanyahu, who has consistently placed his personal interests above those of his country

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump share a warm moment in the Knesset in October 2025.

Stuck in the middle: How President Herzog handles Netanyahu will define his legacy - opinion

Isaac Herzog assumed the office amid the COVID pandemic, followed by judicial reform unrest, and a multi-front war. Now he has the challenge of whether to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.

Netanyahu, Trump discuss Israeli leader's pardon request in Monday phone call

Trump invited the prime minister to a meeting at the White House in the near future during the call, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on next to US President Donald Trump as Trump leaves Israel en route to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod, Israel, October 13, 2025.

Will Netanyahu 'heal the nation' if he receives pardon from Herzog? - opinion

Israel deserves a legitimate October 7 inquiry and new elections, amid dramatic efforts to make amends and heal wounds.

PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend the dedication of a new rehab center at Hadassah Hospital-Mount Scopus in October. Pardon Netanyahu if he takes substantive steps to unite the nation, says the writer.

Netanyahu's pardon request throws Herzog into thick of Israel’s political divides - opinion

Seeking a pardon before a verdict – particularly when the defendant is the prime minister – creates an extraordinary situation that could destabilize the relations between the branches of government.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the Tel Aviv District Court. The pardon mechanism was never intended to serve as an alternative to a criminal trial, states the writer.

Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, but only if he agrees to step aside - opinion

It would be in Israel’s best interests to grant the request on the condition that Netanyahu agrees to finish out his present term and retire from politics. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their vote during the elections for the Likud Central Committee, at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, November 25, 2025

Netanyahu pardon decision will be made for 'good of Israel,' Isaac Herzog vows

“It is clear to me that the issue of the pardon is shaking many people in the country; it will be handled in the best possible way," Herzog stated

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog over a backdrop of Netanyahu's presidential pardon request.