Isaac Herzog

Grapevine, January 30, 2026: Closing a circle

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar with Indian Ambassador J.P. Singh.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends Israel Hayom conference in Jerusalem, November 17, 2025.

Herzog announces visit to Australia, will meet Australian Jews, political leaders during trip

The yellow ribbon pin became a ubiquitous symbol for solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas.

Jewish world marks first day with no hostages in Gaza by shedding symbols of support

Itzik Gvili, father of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, places his hands on the coffin containing his son's remains, January 26, 2026.

'Hero of Kibbutz Alumim': Israel reacts to news of final hostage Ran Gvili's return


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.

Netanyahu trial: Case 4000 questioning resumes despite bombshell pardon request

Prosecutor Tirosh focused questioning on Case 4000 discrepancies, comparing Netanyahu's description of Walla news site during his tenure vs. his current court testimony.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Christian Conference in Jerusalem, on April 27, 2025

Netanyahu's pardon request a 'direct attempt to bypass courts,' scholars warn

Legal experts argue that using presidential clemency before a verdict would overturn long-standing norms that reserve pardons for those who have accepted responsibility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to the courtroom at the Distrcit court in Tel Aviv, before the start of his testimony in the trial against him, October 28, 2025.

Netanyahu's pardon request 'suspicious, not for legal purposes,' Israeli attorney says

Attorney Kobi Sudri discussed the matter on 103FM with hosts Anat Davidov and Prof. Aryeh Eldad, raising doubts about the legal validity and intent behind the pardon request.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacts at a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025

Israel needs to find a way to move on after years of Netanyahu corruption trial - editorial

With the haredi draft and West Bank annexation alone, there are major issues on the table to be faced in the future.

Activists protest outside the home of President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, calling not to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, November 30, 2025.