Israeli president denies Trump claim Netanyahu pardon is ‘on its way’
Trump renews his call on Israel’s president to grant ally Netanyahu, who is in the midst of a corruption trial, a pardon
Israeli President Isaac Herzog denied a claim by Donald Trump on Monday that the pair had discussed the US president’s request for a pardon on corruption charges for Israel’s premier.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of accepting luxury goods from billionaires in exchange for political favours, and of seeking to negotiate more favourable coverage from Israeli media outlets.
“There has not been a conversation between President Herzog and President Trump since the pardon request was submitted,” Herzog’s office said in a statement.
Trump said Monday during a joint press conference with Netanyahu that he was confident Herzog would grant the Israeli premier a pardon.
“I spoke to the president (Herzog) and he tells me (the pardon) is on its way,” Trump said.
Last month, Trump sent a letter to Herzog with the request, which was followed by an official request made by Netanyahu’s lawyers.