Trump Urges Herzog to Pardon Netanyahu, Calls Him a Potential 'National Hero'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is renewing his campaign to pressure Israeli President Isaac Herzog into pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with Axios, Trump claimed that Herzog could become a "national hero" if he grants the pardon.

Why it matters: Trump stated that Netanyahu raised his ongoing corruption trial during a call with Herzog on Tuesday night. The prime minister was scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday, which Trump argued was a distraction from critical issues like Iran. "In the middle of a war? Give me a break," Trump told Axios.

The intrigue: It was Trump who initiated the pardon discussion during the call with Axios. After months of criticizing Herzog, Trump softened his tone, saying, "I like the guy, Herzog. He will be a national hero if he gives Bibi a pardon. I will very much appreciate it."

Trump dismissed the corruption charges against Netanyahu as trivial, referring to them as "wine and cigars"—a reference to allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts in exchange for political favors, which he denies. "Bibi is a wartime prime minister. He can't have this hanging over his head," Trump argued.

Trump's Long-Standing Push for a Pardon

Trump has advocated for Netanyahu's pardon since June 2023, calling the prime minister's trial a "witch hunt" and comparing it to his own legal troubles in the U.S. However, a pardon could have polarizing effects in Israel. While it might appeal to some voters, it could also outrage others, particularly as Israelis prepare to head to the polls in October.

If Netanyahu loses the election, the likelihood of him facing prison time increases significantly.

Herzog's Stance on the Pardon

Earlier this week, Herzog invited Netanyahu's legal team, the attorney general, and the state prosecutor to discuss a potential settlement in the prime minister's corruption case. Herzog has stated that he will not decide on a pardon until these negotiations are exhausted.

Trump, however, believes Netanyahu "can't take" a settlement and insists he needs a full pardon.

Challenges to a Pardon or Settlement

Netanyahu has refused to admit any wrongdoing or express remorse—two key conditions for receiving a pardon under Israeli law. Additionally, the odds of a plea deal appear slim, as it would likely require him to plead guilty to charges that could bar him from holding office for a period of time.

Netanyahu is unlikely to agree to a deal that forces him out of politics, and prosecutors seem unwilling to settle for lesser charges.

Trump's Shifting Tone Toward Herzog

In a March interview with Axios, Trump called Herzog "a disgrace" for not pardoning Netanyahu. In another interview, he labeled Herzog "weak and pathetic." It remains unclear what prompted Trump to change his tone, though a senior Israeli official speculated that Trump may have realized his criticism was ineffective or that Netanyahu himself suggested the shift.