Netanyahu Like Trump is a Criminal But Expecting a Pardon The President of Israel Said No
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, left, with President Isaac Herzog, in Jerusalem last week. Credit... Pool photo by Ilia Yefimovich President Isaac Herzog of Israel has decided not to issue a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his corruption case at this time, and instead will seek mediation, officials say. By Isabel Kershner Reporting from Jerusalem New York Times For months, President Isaac Herzog of Israel has deliberated over the politically fraught question of whether to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon in his long-running corruption trial. It’s a highly contentious issue that has divided Israelis and drawn pressure from President Trump, who has aggressively intervened on Mr. Netanyahu’s behalf. But Mr. Herzog does not plan to give Mr. Netanyahu a pardon anytime soon. Instead he will first try to initiate a mediation process to reach a plea deal, according to two senior Israeli officials with direct knowledge of Mr. Herzo...