President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday, saying he "should be ashamed of himself" for refusing to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even though he has the authority to do so.
Speaking about negotiations with Iran, his relationship with Netanyahu and responsibility for the October 7 attack, Trump said Herzog had already granted pardons five times in the past but was now refraining from doing so, possibly because "maybe he's losing his power." He added that the Israeli public should shame him for what he described as disgraceful conduct.
At the same time, Trump praised Netanyahu as "a great wartime prime minister," reiterating that he had been "the best friend Israel ever had" and would continue to act accordingly.
Turning to the talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trump said a new deal must be reached and warned that if it is not, "it will be very traumatic."
"They should have made a deal the first time and they got 'the Midnight Hammer' instead," he said, adding that if no agreement is reached, "we'll go to stage two, which will be very tough for them."
Trump described his recent meeting with Netanyahu as "very good," but stressed, "In the end, it's up to me." He said he intended to continue negotiations with Iran "for as long as I want," and that a decision was expected soon.
"I assume within the next month. It has to happen fast. They have to agree very quickly," he said.
Asked whether Netanyahu had asked him to halt the negotiations, Trump replied, "He didn't say that. We didn't discuss it."
In response, the President's Residence said Herzog was currently on a flight back to Israel from an official visit to Australia. It added that, as repeatedly clarified, the prime minister's request is being handled in accordance with regulations by the Justice Ministry for a legal opinion. Only after that process is complete will the president examine the request in accordance with the law, the good of the state and his conscience, "without any external or internal pressure."
The statement also said that Herzog appreciates President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security, and stressed that "Israel is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law." The President's Residence further emphasized that, contrary to the impression created by Trump's remarks, Herzog has not yet made any decision on the matter.
