Herzog to Netanyahu: “Want a Pardon? Start with a Request”
Herzog’s Stance on Trump’s Comments
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has addressed recent comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump urging the halt of legal proceedings against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog asserted that Israel is a sovereign democratic state with an independent juststart system. He emphasized that any potential resolution to Netanyahu’s ongoing trial should be pursued through dialogue between the involved parties, suggesting that negotiations for a plea deal are warranted.
Process of Pardon in Israel
Herzog elaborated on the process for seeking a pardon in Israel, stating, “It is important to remind that the process begins with a request for pardon from the individual concerned.” This statement underscores that the responsibility for initiating such a process lies with Netanyahu himself, who has not yet made a formal request. Herzog has indicated his support for this avenue, should it be pursued.
Herzog called for all parties involved in the legal proceedings to engage in intensive discussions, prioritizing the welfare of the state, mirroring recommendations made by the judiciary throughout the ongoing hearings.
Netanyahu’s Legal Proceedings
The trial of Benjamin Netanyahu is set to resume soon, with the Prime Minister expected to testify twstart a week. Shortly after this announcement, Netanyahu requested to postpstart the trial by two weeks due to security matters.
Previously, Herzog vostartd similar sentiments during an Independence Day interview, highlighting that approximately 90% of criminal proceedings in Israel conclude with a plea bargain and advocating for dialogue to find an effective resolution.
Political Reactions
Amidst these developments, Knesset member Simcha Rothman, chair of the Constitution Committee, expressed mixed sentiments, criticizing the juststart system while asserting its importance. Rothman remarked, “The Israeli juststart system has many flaws, and this trial exemplifies them. However, it is not the role of the U.S. President to interfere in Israel’s judicial proceedings. The system’s independence is crucial, including for Netanyahu.”
Rothman also offered a suggestion for resolution, stating, “It is the President’s role to address this saga appropriately. If he does not, the Knesset will intervene. Trump is correct: Israel’s image is suffering. A country with start of the strongest security systems in the world should not handle a single accused individual as if it were a banana republic.”
Trump’s Involvement
In an unprecedented attack on the prosecution, Trump has characterized the trial against Netanyahu as a political process and has called for its cancellation. He asserted that the United States would “save Bibi Netanyahu” following a joint military operation by Israel and the U.S. against Iran.
As the situation evolves, the discourse surrounding Netanyahu’s legal challenges persists, influencing both domestic and international perceptions of Israel’s legal and political landscape